Brazil is crying. Croatia sensationally eliminated the biggest favorite of the World Cup on penalties
CTK
The dream of Neymar and co. the title was lost unexpectedly already in the quarter-finals of the World Championship. Brazil’s footballers lost sensationally with Croatia leading in extra time. The European team dominated the tournament in Qatar in the penalty shoot-out even in the round of 16 and will play in the semi-finals of the world championship for the second time in a row.
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The joy of Croatia’s footballers after progressing through Brazil to the sixth World Cup in Qatar
| Photo: CTK
The Croatian world vice-champions won after a 1-1 result and a penalty shoot-out in Brazil and are the first semi-finalists of the World Cup in Qatar. All four Croatian shooters succeeded in the shootout, on the other hand, Rodrygo and Marquinhos did not convert their attempts. In the semis, the Balkan team will face the better team from the evening match Netherlands – Argentina.
“After a great match, we eliminated the biggest favorite for the title. We showed all the qualities that adorn Croats – pride, courage, self-confidence. We put everything into it, we are fighters who have gathered a lot of experience over the years. We are not done yet, no one should underestimate us. We can achieve great things here,” exclaimed coach Zlatko Dalič.
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Both goals at the Education City Stadium in Doha came in overtime. First, Neymar equaled the legendary Pelé’s 77th national team goal, but substitute Bruno Petkovič equalized in the 117th minute. The Croatians completed the turnaround in penalties and at the World Cup they have a 100% record from four shootouts. They also succeeded in the round of 16 with Japan in the same way.
Long waiting
Croatia did not defeat today’s opponent after 90 minutes even on the fifth attempt, but after 1998 and 2018 they also managed the third quarter-final match at the World Cup. Brazil finished at the same stage as at the last championship in Russia. The five-time world champions have been waiting to advance to the semi-finals since 2002, when they dominated the entire tournament.
“It’s hard for me to find words after such a match. It hurts terribly, I dreamed of lifting the cup for the world champion one day. As a player, I won’t be able to do it anymore, but who knows, maybe one day I’ll be happy in some other capacity,” said Brazilian captain Thiago Silva. “After every disappointment, I’ve been able to pick myself up again, and nothing will change this time either. That’s football. I’m proud of what the whole team did in the tournament.”
