After Ivan Perisic equalised Daizen Maeda’s first-half strike, the two nations were forced into extra time and then penalties, but the Checkered Ones won the shootout, with goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saving three of Japan’s four spot kicks to help Zlatko Dalic’s side book their place in the last eight.
Croatia is no stranger to high-stakes drama, having gone to extra time in seven of their past eight knockout matches at major competitions since coming third in their first World Cup finals in 1998. The Selecao took a four-goal lead inside the first 36 minutes thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison, and Lucas Paqueta.
Prediction
The Brazilian camp must be buzzing with confidence, and the typically reserved Tite joining in on dance celebrations against South Korea demonstrates a strong team spirit.
Against the Koreans, the 61-year-old was able to rest some of his key players earlier than planned, allowing them to conserve much-needed energy for their quarterfinal match.
We predict Croatia to win 1-2 over Brazil.
Brazil is full of confidence after easily eliminating South Korea in the last 16, but Friday’s game against Croatia, which has a knockout-stage record, may not be a stroll in the park.
Indeed, Croatia has frustrated many opponents on the largest international stage, but a meeting with Brazil might be a step too far, with the five-time world winners edging through to the semi-finals in 90 minutes.
Head-to-Head
- This is the fifth encounter between the two parties. Brazil has three victories to their credit, with one match ending in a tie. The South Americans also won their last two World Cup matches against Croatia.
- Neymar is two goals away from tying Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. In the 2014 World Cup, he scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Croatia.
- Croatia has won all three penalty shootouts at the World Cup.
- Brazil has been eliminated from the World Cup five times since 1990, all by European opponents.
- Croatia has won 13 of their previous 20 international matches while losing six.
Lineup
Croatia
- Livakovic;
- Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa;
- Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric;
- Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
Brazil
- Alisson;
- Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo;
- Casemiro, Paqueta;
- Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr;
- Richarlison
Betting Tips
- Brazil is the favourite.
- Both teams will score.
- More than 2.5 goals
- The highest scoring half is the second half.
- Expect Neymar to score at any time.
Where to watch
You can watch the match on the following platforms
- DD sports
- Sports18 khel
- Jiocinema
- Mtv hd
- Sports18 1