Zlatko Dalic, Croatia’s manager, remarked that his players are not “normal” following his team’s victory over Brazil in the current FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. Dalic also expressed his joy over his team’s victory. At the World Cup, Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 to keep their clean record in penalty shootouts. On Friday, in a close game at the Education City Stadium, they advanced to the semifinals.
“Congratulations to the boys; we got rid of the most popular choice. I said that pride, faith, and patriotism should never be underestimated. Let’s move on, this is not our end! Goal.com quotes Dalic as saying, “This is a victory of the new Croatia, everyone gave their all, and a big greeting to our “friends” who write that this is not Croatia, now you have seen it.”
“Enjoy yourself, Croatian defenders; you and our fans both deserve it. My players aren’t like that! Also, thanks to the players who haven’t been playing but are still present and contributing. We are a nation of roughly three and a half million people, and I am proud that we are in the semifinals for the second time under my leadership. After two hours of play, neither team could be separated because both scored in overtime.
Neymar scored a world-record goal for Brazil. In the 105th minute, the forward scored his 77th goal for his country, matching Pele’s record. Bruno Petkovic’s goal in the 117th minute gave Croatia the lead, sending their supporters into a frenzy. In the shootout, Brazil’s Marquinhos and Rodrygo missed their penalty kicks, but Croatia miraculously converted all four of their kicks to advance to the tournament’s semi-final.
The Croatian runners-up can be grateful to goalkeeper Dominik Livakovi for the nation’s first victory over Brazil. The defensive toughness of Croatia prevailed over the offensive flair of Brazil. Croatia indeed satisfied their standing after two tiresome knockout stage games leaving Brazilian fans crushed. Brazil tried to break the deadlock in the second half with a much more aggressive approach.
They had increased the stakes and created a number of opportunities, but none of them were taken advantage of. Throughout the second half, a stout Croatian defense repeatedly frustrated Brazil. Brazil had two early chances after a strong start to the second half, but Livakovic stopped all of their shots to deny the five-time champions a goal.
The 2 018 runners-up performed admirably against Brazil’s persistent attacks and forced the game into extra time. Goalless play characterized the first half of the FIFA World Cup’s first quarterfinal.
Brazil and Croatia lacked clear chances for the entirety of the first half. The two teams demonstrated their inventiveness and speed. Vinicius and Neymar, forwards for Brazil, made quick runs into the Croatian box in the first few minutes of the second half.
In the fourth minute, Vinicius made the first save of the game when he took a long-range kick and got as close as the Croatian goalpost. Players made a few errors, which led to some tense moments in both camps. As they lost possession, Casemiro and Luka Modric were both found guilty of making poor passes. In the 14th minute, Croatia won the first corner of the match, but the European team was unable to capitalize. In the 19th minute.
They attempted to score against Brazil with a shot from Kramaric, but it was blocked by the Brazilian defense. Croatia easily absorbed Brazil’s offensive pressure and occasionally made an attempt at the goal with quick counterattacks as the two teams exchanged blows. Throughout the half, Vinicius was able to create opportunities for his team with great skill, but a strong Croatian defense stood tall to deny the forward a clear chance. There was not much between the two teams at the end of the half.