Dominik Livakovic Saves Penalty For Croatia Win: At Education City Stadium, Croatia defeated Brazil 4-2 on penalties in the World Cup quarterfinals. Neymar’s incredible overtime goal had handed Tite’s Selecao the lead.
With only a few minutes remaining in extra time, Bruno Petkovic, a second-half substitution, leveled the score, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the quarterfinal. On penalties, Croatia prevailed 4-2.
After a thrilling 1-1 draw, Dominik Livakovic was the hero as Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties to advance to the World Cup semi-final.
Like many of the games in this tournament, the first half was a scrappy, cagey affair with few opportunities created by either side.
Like many of the games in this tournament, the first half was a scrappy, cagey affair with few opportunities created by either side.
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Vinicius Jr.’s curling shot was saved, and another attempt was charged down by the excellent Gvadiol, but the Croatians’ pressing and midfield positioning effectively nullified both. The second quarter got off to a better start for Tite’s team, with Neymar missing two opportunities. The Brazil coach then substituted Rodrygo and Antony from Manchester United to try and score, and they produced the better chances, including another one-on-one opportunity for Neymar that Livakovic turned away.
The Croatians appeared willing to sit back and wait for extra time and penalties, which is exactly what happened, but Livakovic made another excellent save to deny Lucas Paqueta. After Brozovic squandered a golden opportunity, Neymar equaled Pele’s Brazil goalscoring record of 77 by scoring two minutes later after exchanging passes with Pedro and Paqueta. Three minutes from time, replacements Mislav Orsic and Bruno Petkovic collaborated, and the latter’s deflected shot beat Alisson. It appeared like Zlatko Dalic’s team was done.
Rodrygo’s penalty attempt was saved by Livakovic in the shootout, while Marquinhos’ penalty shot hit the post, knocking the Brazilians out of the competition as Croatia prevailed 4-2.
Main Talk Point
Was Really Brazil unlucky? In contrast to Brazil’s 11 shots during the 120 minutes, Croatia only managed one shot on goal. Additionally, they made just 9 total attempts on goal compared to 21 for their opponents. In this cagey contest, Zlatko Dali’s team’s midfield tactics were bang on, frustrating the Brazilians. However, Brazil can feel unjustly penalized because Livakovic’s world allowed Serbia to play the better game.
Player of The Match
Dominik Livakovic (Croatia): He made multiple saves to stop Fred in extra time and Neymar during the first 90 minutes. Additionally, he stopped Rodrygo’s penalty in the shootout to eliminate the favorites.
Key Stat
Dominik Livakovic Saves Penalty For Croatia Win. At the 2022 World Cup, Dominik Livakovi is the first goalkeeper to record 10 saves in a single game.
Player Rating
CROATIA: Livakovic 9, Sosa 6, Gvardiol 9, Lovren 7, Juranovic 8, Kovacic 7, Modric 7, Brozovic 6, Kramaric 6, Pasalic 6, Perisic 6. Subs: Vlasic 5, Petkovic 5, Majer n/a, Budimir n/a Orsic n/a.
BRAZIL: Alisson 5, Militao 6, Silva 6, Marquinhos 5, Danilo 5, Casemiro 5, Paqueta 5, Raphinha 5, Neymar 7, Vinicius Jr 6, Richarlison 6. Subs: Antony 6, Rodrygo 7, Pedro 7, Fred n/a, Sandro n/a.
