FIFA World Cup: Croatia beat Brazil on penalties to reach semi-finals

Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 in the quarter-final to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Education City Stadium on Friday.

Croatia scored the equaliser in the 116th minute and went on to win the match on penalty shootouts.

Josip Juranovic surged down the Croatian right and laid off to Mario Pasalic, who whipped in a low cross through the unsure corridor, giving Croatia a chance to go ahead 1-0 in the 13th minute. Ivan Perisic, however, was unable to capitalise.

Vinicius played a one-two with Richarlison after cutting in from the left 20 minutes into the first half, but his shot was straight at the goalie.

Within the opening 35 minutes, Brazil held a little edge in possession (54%) but Croatia appeared to be the team most likely to score.

In the 39th minute, just as his team had positioned themselves into a promising offensive position, Brozovic carelessly allowed the ball to cross the goal line.

Just before halftime, Brazil was awarded a free kick in the left corner of the Croatian area, but Neymar blasted it straight at the goalie.

After Livakovic cleared a cross three minutes into the second half, Vinicius Junior and Neymar combined as he swivelled to fire, but Josko Gvardiol expertly blocked their attempt.

A deflection enabled the five-time champions bulldoze past Croatia's defence in the 66th minute, and Lucas Paqueta found himself with an open goal in front of him right away. But West Ham's midfielder was turned down by Livakovic.

In the second half, Brazil produced more opportunities. In the 74th minute, Richarlison had an opportunity to put his team ahead, but the Croatian goalkeeper stopped him.

Later on, Livakovic stopped another attempt by Neymar.

Eder Militao's attempt in the 86th minute flew wide of the right-hand post.

In injury time, Antony attempted one final shot at the Croatian goalkeeper, but Livakovic easily blocked it.

Pedro, a replacement, headed wide from a free kick in the 92nd minute.

On the right side, Antony was a threat but was unable to deliver a potent cross into the area.

Near the end of the first period of extra time, Neymar struck a spectacular goal to put Brazil ahead 1-0. He picked up a return ball, got past the Croatian defenders, danced around the goalie, and fired into the net's roof.

However, Croatia scored the leveller in the 116th minute with their first shot on target.

Out of the four taken, Brazil missed two penalties while Croatia scored four to beat the Selecao by 4-2.

Croatia will either face the Netherlands or Argentine, who will take on each other in the quarter-final, in the semi-final on Wednesday, December 14.

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