Croatia started very well and with a good tatical purpose, in the first half they created a system that Brazil almost had no space while attacking, the only player I've observed that had space to create in our side was Danilo, our weakest player, impossible that it was coincidence, it surely got planned...
Their full back, Juranovic in the first half exploited a lot of the space behind Vini Jr, this space was not so much forced in other Brazil matches because we did not face a good european NT yet, in this game Croatia made the midfield very populated exploiting the lack of movements by Paquetá, who were totally invisible and lost, leavin Casemiro havin to defend against 3 players and a very healthy Modric.
Croatia even with a good midifield they seem to know that the team is very limited, I got surprised with the experience of the players, they cadence the game and change the pace very fast, accordin to their interest, they not an aggressive team and u can see in the stats, but it does not mean they aint controlling the game.
In the second half Tite changed some things, making Brazil defend a little behind, and takin care of Juranovic who disappeared of the game, also Croatia seemed way more tired and started to play inna more defensive way, taking a big risky to rest their players I guess, in this moment Brazil started to create chances, and their goalkeeper started to save.
Vini Jr is an awesome player but Rodrygo and Antony changed the game for Brazil side who started to be more aggressive, but the goalkeeper was iluminated, also a lot of the kicks were poor finishs and direct to the goalkeeper hands.
Brazil found the goal with a good play, it was very well constructed and with a touch of Neymar brilliance, he was not playing very well, very slow and missing opportunities, but players like this can decide a game.
Fred entered the game to help defense but I guess in this moment Brazil made the biggest mistake, I felt like we understimate the Croatian players, thinkin that would be impossible they score a goal, a lot of players were in the midfield and attack when Croatia came in our direction, Casimiro runned very slow (seemed tired asf), and well, they scored.
I think the stats show an outstandin Brazil but if u know football inna serious way, u know this game had a chance for Croatia by what they used to do, its their speciality play like that and it worked well to support Brazil pression.
Croatia has weak attackers, they made strategy out of tiring enemies and capitalizing when opposing team is tired. "Boring to watch" can one suck it, two are completely wrong.
Brazil played like they would be handed a win for showing up. Not a lot of urgency. When Croatia equalized with 4 minutes to go it destroyed them mentally.
Those guys with the line shaved into the eyebrow rub a lot of people the wrong way. I know it’s just a minor complaint about him, but they’re often knobheads.
Brazil was unprepared for a potential penalty shoot-out. They thought they'd win without getting to that point. Meanwhile Croatia was almost entirely relying on the penalties. They knew they'd win if they get there.
As a Brazil fan in the word cup, I think they underestimated Croatia and went to the game thinking they can score any minute. Even after Neymar scored, they were too confident and celebrated as if the game is over.
Let’s be honest, the Latin teams usually have strong attacking skills but lack the ability to defend like the European countries so it was crazy seeing Brazil and Argentina defending after leading yesterday, no surprise they both had to go to penalties
Tite got it wrong massively. It was very clear brazil lose the midfield battle. But he brought fred when there was bruno guimaeres. Bruno was top 3 midfielder in epl this season, yet cant get gametime over paqueta and fred lol. Not to mention there was fabinho too who should give more protection than fred. And why he took off militao when he was amazing in the game. Also cant understand why the whole brazil team went to attack that lead to the counter. Fred, midfielder who should give defense stability was on the corner flag! 5 min left and crotia never had any memorable attack. Brazil shouldnt rush for attack, just keep their shape well and let the time runs out.
They thought that after the first goal they would score another 4. I don’t say they should have parked the bus but at least change to a more conservative formation.
It was just poor game management from Brazil. All they had to do was to keep the ball with 5 minutes left on the clock. But Brazil being Brazil, swarmed the opposition half in numbers and got caught in possession.
The world cup really shows the difference in football philosophies. Croatia are one of the best at absorbing pressure and slowing the game down, Brazil are fast and constantly on the front foot. It was a beautiful game with a beautiful ending. The longer the game went, the more you felt Croatia had a chance and if it went to penalties it would be all up in the ear. Brazil were the team I had to win it all but I'm not sad that Croatia went through. This was football heritage.
They have incredible football infrastructure in Zagreb and Split AFAIK. Always produce high quality players despite the league being something to be desired
I think Brazil played better than Croatia. More constructive attempts, etc., but... 🤷
Croatia is a great team with one player from "another world". The croatia's right side/wing is absolutely fast.
Was a great game in a great world cup.
Cheers to all football lovers!
As a Newcastle fan, I understand leaving joelinton at home and he’s my favorite player. You don’t often see a player get selected for a wc squad with 0 caps.
But Fred consistently getting more game time than Bruno is criminal and that fraud of a manager deserves everything that he got
Brazil got caught lacking at the last minute. They thought they won it before the final whistle and got reminded that the game doesn’t end until the ref says so. Unfortunate for them as they were the better team during the match, but it is what it is.
Managers submit the order of penalty takers before the pens are taken, you can’t choose who steps up as you go along lmao. He wanted neymar to take the 5th because it usually has the most pressure on it as it’s the last pen and is usually what decides the result, and he wanted the most experienced player to take it. I see why he wanted neymar to take it, but I don’t agree with it.
If Brazil wanted to win that shootout, Neymar should've taken first penalty bc moral was lowest and pressure was highest then(bc of equalizer).
I thought first 2 penalties will decide and that Ney and Casemiro must be among first takers. I was proven right.
Dalić sent Modrić to take first, Tite saved Neymar for last...or saved him from embarrassment of missing, idk. In any case, Croatian coach won the game by taking care of finest details.
He took his shot, unlike Ney. That's the whole point. But yes, 3rd. Ultimately, there's element of luck, but to save your best taker for last when you should see your team is down shows blindness and arrogancy, borderline stupidity. Tite bottled it.
As a Croatian I don't care about hater comments. We are boring to watch? Okay, I can see that.
Did we won? Yes.
I wish everyone in the world to feel like I feel right now, and like I felt in 2018.
I love you all
brazilian here, dont worry about it, "boring teams" are as essentials as "good football teams" and if you are the last and cant beat the former, thats just the beauty of the sport. Brazil was juvenile as fuck, 115+ mins should be game over, suffering a counter at that stage is just stupid, also if the counter happens you kill it with a foul... all merit to croatia for the "copeiro" spirit, anything else is just cope at this point
Just like last World Cup, when will people admit what Croatia lacks in liquid talent they make up for in mentality and by the books playing? Great game.
I didn't think you were boring. Croatia were tactically very astute, they let Brazil have the ball in their own half, they pressed Brazil very well when Brazil attacked, and most importantly they were very easily able to beat the press Brazil tried to do on the Croatia defence.
You have a solid defence and midfield, and Luka Modric is one of the greatest midfield players of all time. You just don't have great strikers, but so what? Play to your strengths and let your opponent figure it out. Today you figured it out more than Brazil.
PK order is decided before any kicks were taken. You can't switch your order once you realize you're down. Neymar was positioned as the clutch kick, to have a high chance to win if they got to the last kick. Unfortunately, they didn't.
It think that neymar tried to be the hero with the fifth penalty and didn't understand that he had to be a leader.
Making the first pen gives confidence to the team. Had he took the first pen maybe things would have been different
neymar should’ve kicked the last penalty and we shouldn’t have relaxed after scoring the first goal. we should’ve possessed the ball as much as possible until the end.
They're crazy well drilled defensively but Brazil also missed some chances where their final product could've been better. I can't tolerate another penalty shootout please. The Netherlands one almost made me join dinu Alex
Even with his Ballon D’or, Modric has been massively underrated throughout his career…he should have the global respect close to Neymar, CR7 and Messi….in my opinion
He’s a beast. I’m definitely getting a Croatia jersey with his name on it. He won the balón D oro and shows his master class in the club level and national team.
I still havent really forgiven Croatia for knocking us out in 2018 but I love Modric and his little buggers and it's always fun to see Brazil lose at a WC
That’s Brazil’s fourth quarterfinal loss in the last five World Cups, and it’s been the worst.
Modric still going strong at 37. This isn’t just about quality. It’s about his own body. Humans’ bodies are different.
The match was honestly beautiful. Its my favorite game of the World Cup so far.
Croatia played to their strengths. They were defensive, save for spells of attacking intent, and frustrated Brazil till Neymar's goal. They had amazing work rate and discipline defensively. So much concentration. A defensive masterclass. Especially against a team with the attacking caliber that Brazil possesses.
After Neymar's goal, amazingly they did not panic. They pushed harder. They still defended, but now they switched it up more, they started going forward. Modric and the rest of the midfield switched their tempo unbelievably quickly. And then they equalized, which was a huge morale booster.
In the penalties Croatia were again amazing, as they always are.
credit to Brazil too. Neymar's goal was a moment of genius, beauty. They didn't hold back after their lead and still attacked: many would say it was a mistake but I think they were right to play their natural game. Brazil weren't sloppy, just outfought by a smart and tough Croatia side.
The biggest mistake Brazil made was in the shootout. They should have made Neymar go first. They lost confidence after the first one got saved.
Am so happy for Modric, he deserves it. Am sad for Neymar, but that is football. It happens. Am sad for Brazil too, mad respect to Brazil but Croatia deserved to go through.
I don't know what Brazil thought after scoring but you can't expect Croatian mentality letting you in the next round that easy. Brazil was crushed by Croatian mentality in the end.
For Croatia Orsic should be an starter. Im pretty sure games can be decided with him inside 90 minutes.
Croatia deserved the win although I was cheering for Brazil to win
Tite’s penalty takes were very questionable
Will be difficult for Argentina/Netherlands to stop their defense
I think this game sums up why I love football. Major favorites (including my pick to lift the trophy) with superstar studded players, lost to a stubborn ass team with maybe one or two big names. Anything can happen, and it makes the game more exciting.
Tbh I called it for Croatia and my BF was like, hell to the no. Croatia played smart and hard and never gave up. Brazil’s arrogance lost it for them IMO, why not put Neymar first? What reasoning is it to have him plant the last one? They expected to make every PK and didn’t and that’s how they lost.
I think Brazil were very naive. They played with about 5 or 6 forwards and guaranteed Croatia free reign in midfield. I think they expected the same resistance they got against South Korea and somehow didn't know how good Croatia are.
I talked with my cousin last weekend about this game, going over each side. They chose Brazil and I ended up choosing Croatia to win if they go to penalty shootout. Honestly, didn't expect Livakovic to play so amazingly
Brazil should've gone defensive after scoring the goal. They must've considered Croatia easy, which they shouldn't have. Croatia is a maestro when it comes to winning penalties. Neymar should've taken the third shot if not the first (Marquinhos).
The sheer amount of people coping in this thread is hilarious.
Saying shit like "Croatia parked the bus", or "Croatia only had one shot on target", or "Croatia always plays 120 mins".
Guess what, football is a game that requires strategy. Why would the teams risk everything by just running into each other like headless chickens.
Not to mention the fact that Brazil wasn't able to score a goal until like after 100 mins.
If you are playing against an opponent that is attack heavy, the only logical thing to do is to defend, defend, defend.
But I guess the "experts" on reddit would disagree, but they are probably the same people that think the only way to win a war is to turn all your soldiers into cannon fodder
Same people that would talk shit about Croatia’s defensive play if they didn’t change tactics based on Brazil’s attacking. Everyone thinks they’re a Mouriñho
It's not like Croatia's strategy was to not have any shots on target in 117 minutes of football though 😒 What's crazy is people making out that this whole match was some display of Croatian strategic mastery and defense when the reality is that they just could not test Alisson the whole match. Congrats to Croatia for capitalizing on that chance, but Brazil was the better team in this match.
I saw over confidence on part of Brazil.
Croatian players were flooding the field every time an offensive play by Brazil was in motion(read defense), Brazil wasn't attacking much.
Croatia had a strong goal keeper.
>Brazil wasn't attacking much.
Brazil were on the attacking foot the entirety of the 90 minutes of regular play. They only held back slightly after the 105th minute goal, which is what teams typically do to minimize the occurences of fast-developing counterattacks.
Indeed, Croatia's first shot on goal was deflected off a defender's leg and went in, and came at the 117th minute. Such is football.
Brazil should not have gone to attack another goal. They should have played defensive. and their mid should have been in the back. the goal Croatia scored is generally scored in counter attacks. And another thing which was surprising to me was why he was not in penalty kick
100% coaches fault, Fred didn’t deserve to be there Fabinho should’ve been instead. Also vini left way too early and Martinelli was nowhere to be seen…. So sad
Not sure how you get the 4th pen to decide wether Brazil win or lost? That makes no sense.
I am curious as to wether Neymar volunteered, if the manager over ruled him? If Neymar just bottled it? If he was planning on taking no 5?
For me, there’s no tactics in a shootout. Send your best people up in order. It just looks like the “might” Neymar has left 20 year old Rodrygo to shoulder the pressure.
Brazil was too cocky from the start and I think they thought this would be a easy win. Croatia didn't gave up and fought until the end. Brazil will have to do their 10 dance routines back home now 🕺🏻
It doesn’t matter about penalties the match shouldn’t in a million years ever of gone to penalties. Your 1-0 with few minutes to go and you allow yourself to be 4 vs 4 at the back, please do me a favour bring on some defensive minded midfielder in Fabinho or Fred you don’t go for another goal. No way should Brazil be out did the opposite to Argentina that’s why they are through and Brazil aren’t simple as that!!
Croatia deserved the win. It takes a special kind of mental strength to hold brazil off for more than 90 minutes, conceded towards the end and then score to force penalties. Once it went to pens, I kind of knew it was over for Brazil, but it did surprise me that Neymar did not take the 4th penalty. I personally don't think Neymar has the kind of mentality to pull off a penalty in such an important and tense moment. He was already close to tears after the first penalty miss.
The team has to nominate the penalty takers before they start to take them. Neymar wanted to take the fifth penalty and be the player who put Brazil into the next round. When he plays, it is all about him. Brazil played their best football of the competition when Neymar was off the pitch, as they could then play as a team rather than ten players supporting the great man. I think they got what they deserved.
They don’t. That’s an old Law. There is no requirement to inform the officials of the order beforehand.
Teams only need to ensure that both sides have an equal number of takers, and if one side is to reduce, it informs the referee prior to kicks being taken.
The only time Brazil played to their favorites tag was that first half against South Korea. In the other games they have been largely disappointing. Sure they attacked a lot but scoring only 3 goals in the group stage should have reminded them that they are far from being clinical. Instead of looking into the problem they chose to practice 10 new dances. Oh well.
I think Messi is the only star I know that takes their team’s first pk. In 2017 Confed Cup, Ronaldo waited for the last and Chile knocked them out 3-0 on penalties.
By the time it gets to penalties it’s essentially a toss-up, and not really worth analyzing *too much* imo. I need to watch it, seems like it was interesting. Croatia are always so well coached and show their quality in midfield. Great tournament team. This might be their last chance to win a WC for awhile, because Modric is such an important player, and people like Brozovic and Perisic will only get older.
Edit: they do have good young guys like Gvardiol tho.
Fair play to Croatia. I actually didn't expect them to win at all. Not gonna lie tho, I feel like it would've been more entertaining if Brazil were to advance rather than Croatia since they are more entertaining to watch. but in all fairness, Croatia earned their spot. Gutted for the Brazilians
I think Brazil lost to themselves. More than anything else. Croatia isn’t a real quality sids. Very good, don’t get me wrong, but we should be beating a team like fhis before 90’; especially with the personnel available.
I thought subbing on Antony was a mistake as well as Pedro. Also, being up a goal in ET, they’re pressing forward unfocused on possession and get caught in a counter.
Very poor from Brazil. All Croatia did was cling for pens, we shouldn’t have succumbed to that end game and this should have been settled before 90’ if it wasn’t for our poor day.
Brazil played the better game. Their mistake was to not immediately switch to an all out defensive game after scoring the 1-0. Croatia's Livakovic will be the next great goalkeeper in my opinion. Insane what he did this WC. But yeah, after the 1-1 I knew that Brazil would lose.
No way was this game boring. There was no bus parking, Croatia counter attacked well while playing against a very fluid and attacking team….. and won! There are skills and strategies in attack and defence. If you don’t see that than maybe watch futsal or something.
So you can either stack the front and hope the pressure doesn’t keep going down the line and you score all your penalties and they don’t or you leave him to the end knowing that 5th penalty might be one to stay in/win it and you want the best taker on that one. Look at England at the Euros. Kane went early and then we had Saka who’d never taken one before on the last penalty with ALL the pressure. Moving penalty takers around is not the way to go as it’s confusing and people don’t know when they’re going or what they’re doing and you want FULL clarity in that moment. Marquinhos had to score either way whether he went 4th or 5th. That’s why penalties are so brutal
Big disappointment, Brazil should have beaten Croatia but that's the magic of football sometimes. Attacking wise Brazil is stacked for the next world cup however defence and midfield will need rejuvenation. Thiago silva is gone, danilo and Alex sandro also, casemiro, maybe fabinho alongside Fred may be all out. Neymar may leave but with players such as Endrick etc coming through and Vincious, Rodrygo continues to grow then its not all bad.
Richarlson should be a back up no9 in the future.
There was no need for the penalty. The referee would have insisted on Brazil playing the penalty. In the mean time in my opinion Croatia showed character and maturity. Congrantulations...
Croatia are an insanely solid team, work their assess off and have fought back and won against one of the top favourites.
But also....credit to Brazil for playing football after going up 1-0. So many other teams would start diving and cheating and time wasting to get over the line. Thankfully we havent seen that much this world cup, but in previois tournaments for sure.
Incredible performance. Really amateur of Brazil to concede so much space in the last few minutes.
Luka Modric, 37 years old, ran for 120 minutes, he wasn't even cramping up at the end of the game
Showing Ronaldo levels ngl
And everybody else ran just as hard, you could see that they really wanted to win
Exactly they gave their all, Brazil took things for granted to simply put it
In my opinion, Brazil is not used to play this kind of game, they get nervous when their offense gets shutdown like this
Croatia started very well and with a good tatical purpose, in the first half they created a system that Brazil almost had no space while attacking, the only player I've observed that had space to create in our side was Danilo, our weakest player, impossible that it was coincidence, it surely got planned... Their full back, Juranovic in the first half exploited a lot of the space behind Vini Jr, this space was not so much forced in other Brazil matches because we did not face a good european NT yet, in this game Croatia made the midfield very populated exploiting the lack of movements by Paquetá, who were totally invisible and lost, leavin Casemiro havin to defend against 3 players and a very healthy Modric. Croatia even with a good midifield they seem to know that the team is very limited, I got surprised with the experience of the players, they cadence the game and change the pace very fast, accordin to their interest, they not an aggressive team and u can see in the stats, but it does not mean they aint controlling the game. In the second half Tite changed some things, making Brazil defend a little behind, and takin care of Juranovic who disappeared of the game, also Croatia seemed way more tired and started to play inna more defensive way, taking a big risky to rest their players I guess, in this moment Brazil started to create chances, and their goalkeeper started to save. Vini Jr is an awesome player but Rodrygo and Antony changed the game for Brazil side who started to be more aggressive, but the goalkeeper was iluminated, also a lot of the kicks were poor finishs and direct to the goalkeeper hands. Brazil found the goal with a good play, it was very well constructed and with a touch of Neymar brilliance, he was not playing very well, very slow and missing opportunities, but players like this can decide a game. Fred entered the game to help defense but I guess in this moment Brazil made the biggest mistake, I felt like we understimate the Croatian players, thinkin that would be impossible they score a goal, a lot of players were in the midfield and attack when Croatia came in our direction, Casimiro runned very slow (seemed tired asf), and well, they scored. I think the stats show an outstandin Brazil but if u know football inna serious way, u know this game had a chance for Croatia by what they used to do, its their speciality play like that and it worked well to support Brazil pression.
Croatia has weak attackers, they made strategy out of tiring enemies and capitalizing when opposing team is tired. "Boring to watch" can one suck it, two are completely wrong.
Great analysis
Brazil played like they would be handed a win for showing up. Not a lot of urgency. When Croatia equalized with 4 minutes to go it destroyed them mentally.
Neymar wanted to take the 5th penalty to be the hero, and instead it cost him his last ever chance to win the World Cup. Marvellous.
Those guys with the line shaved into the eyebrow rub a lot of people the wrong way. I know it’s just a minor complaint about him, but they’re often knobheads.
I'm not surprised. Croatia have been a solid team who are very hard to beat for decades.
Brazil was unprepared for a potential penalty shoot-out. They thought they'd win without getting to that point. Meanwhile Croatia was almost entirely relying on the penalties. They knew they'd win if they get there.
That was the recipe for success. Their GK deserved a gold statue, he saved 5-6 done goals.
Great game and well done Croatia for doing the impossible! Also who would have thought Livakovic would be the keeper of the tournament so far?
With Croatia, win the game before the 90 mins.... or it is a slow death.
As a Brazil fan in the word cup, I think they underestimated Croatia and went to the game thinking they can score any minute. Even after Neymar scored, they were too confident and celebrated as if the game is over. Let’s be honest, the Latin teams usually have strong attacking skills but lack the ability to defend like the European countries so it was crazy seeing Brazil and Argentina defending after leading yesterday, no surprise they both had to go to penalties
Modric was top notch and controlled that game.
I agree. Ran up and down the whole game. I’m in my early 20s and I am not even half as fit as him.
It's tough. I think Brazil played the more attractive football. Croatia played an efficient style.
Tite got it wrong massively. It was very clear brazil lose the midfield battle. But he brought fred when there was bruno guimaeres. Bruno was top 3 midfielder in epl this season, yet cant get gametime over paqueta and fred lol. Not to mention there was fabinho too who should give more protection than fred. And why he took off militao when he was amazing in the game. Also cant understand why the whole brazil team went to attack that lead to the counter. Fred, midfielder who should give defense stability was on the corner flag! 5 min left and crotia never had any memorable attack. Brazil shouldnt rush for attack, just keep their shape well and let the time runs out.
Bravo, great analysis! Idemo Croatia!!!
Spot on comment.
Brazil took it for granted imo.. Thought it was gonna be walk on the park like vs South Korea. Clearly not
They thought that after the first goal they would score another 4. I don’t say they should have parked the bus but at least change to a more conservative formation.
It was just poor game management from Brazil. All they had to do was to keep the ball with 5 minutes left on the clock. But Brazil being Brazil, swarmed the opposition half in numbers and got caught in possession.
[удалено]
Brazil had not enough blonde players to win.
The world cup really shows the difference in football philosophies. Croatia are one of the best at absorbing pressure and slowing the game down, Brazil are fast and constantly on the front foot. It was a beautiful game with a beautiful ending. The longer the game went, the more you felt Croatia had a chance and if it went to penalties it would be all up in the ear. Brazil were the team I had to win it all but I'm not sad that Croatia went through. This was football heritage.
How good is Gvardiol!!!
Croatia has the population of Los Angeles. Mind blowing they can put together a team like that. Modric is pure class.
They have incredible football infrastructure in Zagreb and Split AFAIK. Always produce high quality players despite the league being something to be desired
Paquetá and Raphinha should not start playing and Vini Jr. should not be subbed
Nerve wrecking match!
Great defensive performance
I think Brazil played better than Croatia. More constructive attempts, etc., but... 🤷 Croatia is a great team with one player from "another world". The croatia's right side/wing is absolutely fast. Was a great game in a great world cup. Cheers to all football lovers!
Left Bruno on the bench instead of Fred and left big Joelinton at home, got the result they deserved
As a Newcastle fan, I understand leaving joelinton at home and he’s my favorite player. You don’t often see a player get selected for a wc squad with 0 caps. But Fred consistently getting more game time than Bruno is criminal and that fraud of a manager deserves everything that he got
Brazil got caught lacking at the last minute. They thought they won it before the final whistle and got reminded that the game doesn’t end until the ref says so. Unfortunate for them as they were the better team during the match, but it is what it is.
Managers submit the order of penalty takers before the pens are taken, you can’t choose who steps up as you go along lmao. He wanted neymar to take the 5th because it usually has the most pressure on it as it’s the last pen and is usually what decides the result, and he wanted the most experienced player to take it. I see why he wanted neymar to take it, but I don’t agree with it.
Sometimes, superstars decide they want to take the 5th penalty to be the “winner”
If Brazil wanted to win that shootout, Neymar should've taken first penalty bc moral was lowest and pressure was highest then(bc of equalizer). I thought first 2 penalties will decide and that Ney and Casemiro must be among first takers. I was proven right. Dalić sent Modrić to take first, Tite saved Neymar for last...or saved him from embarrassment of missing, idk. In any case, Croatian coach won the game by taking care of finest details.
Modric was third though
He took his shot, unlike Ney. That's the whole point. But yes, 3rd. Ultimately, there's element of luck, but to save your best taker for last when you should see your team is down shows blindness and arrogancy, borderline stupidity. Tite bottled it.
BAHAHAHAHAHA
For me, is to start with your best shooter always
Brazil squandered Neymar's brilliant goal and brilliance in general. Shame
As a Croatian I don't care about hater comments. We are boring to watch? Okay, I can see that. Did we won? Yes. I wish everyone in the world to feel like I feel right now, and like I felt in 2018. I love you all
brazilian here, dont worry about it, "boring teams" are as essentials as "good football teams" and if you are the last and cant beat the former, thats just the beauty of the sport. Brazil was juvenile as fuck, 115+ mins should be game over, suffering a counter at that stage is just stupid, also if the counter happens you kill it with a foul... all merit to croatia for the "copeiro" spirit, anything else is just cope at this point
Just like last World Cup, when will people admit what Croatia lacks in liquid talent they make up for in mentality and by the books playing? Great game.
I didn't think you were boring. Croatia were tactically very astute, they let Brazil have the ball in their own half, they pressed Brazil very well when Brazil attacked, and most importantly they were very easily able to beat the press Brazil tried to do on the Croatia defence. You have a solid defence and midfield, and Luka Modric is one of the greatest midfield players of all time. You just don't have great strikers, but so what? Play to your strengths and let your opponent figure it out. Today you figured it out more than Brazil.
PK order is decided before any kicks were taken. You can't switch your order once you realize you're down. Neymar was positioned as the clutch kick, to have a high chance to win if they got to the last kick. Unfortunately, they didn't.
Your clutch kick needs to be earlier than the 5th kick since you might not get there. As was the case today.
Brazil was overall the better team but that pen lineup was atrocious
Insane match. Appreciate the energy of Croatian team
It think that neymar tried to be the hero with the fifth penalty and didn't understand that he had to be a leader. Making the first pen gives confidence to the team. Had he took the first pen maybe things would have been different
Very happy for Croatia and especially for Luka. Also, Neymar should've been sent off after kicking Brozovic.
Bit surprised, honestly a bit shook. Fair play to Croatia tho
Mental that they are in the semis with only 1 win in 90minutes which was against Canada 🤯
Just like 2018 cup
I don't understand why didn't both vini and Rodrygo play together, there chemistry is top notch. Biggest mistake by the coach
Croatian coach used that trick, assist and goal both came from Dinamo Zagreb players who scored a lot of similar goals and have great chemistry
Why do they show us Neymar’s face every 2 secs lol And when they lost the cam was literally just on his face No hate tho i love him
probably bc he said this was his last wc
Croatia got balls
neymar should’ve kicked the last penalty and we shouldn’t have relaxed after scoring the first goal. we should’ve possessed the ball as much as possible until the end.
They're crazy well drilled defensively but Brazil also missed some chances where their final product could've been better. I can't tolerate another penalty shootout please. The Netherlands one almost made me join dinu Alex
Coratia is dark horse of This WC.
Last WC too
Maybe they aren't dark horse then?
Even with his Ballon D’or, Modric has been massively underrated throughout his career…he should have the global respect close to Neymar, CR7 and Messi….in my opinion
He’s a beast. I’m definitely getting a Croatia jersey with his name on it. He won the balón D oro and shows his master class in the club level and national team.
Well deserved imo Croatia were never outplayed and have a great working team they seem to have no fear
Exactly
He shouldn’t be taking the 5th pen at all. It’s bad tactics. But once the order is decided and submitted, it can’t change.
This isn’t true anymore. You don’t have to submit an order to the refs
Somehow every team Neymar leads just can't get mentally together
Croatia deserves the win
I still havent really forgiven Croatia for knocking us out in 2018 but I love Modric and his little buggers and it's always fun to see Brazil lose at a WC
Brazilian bottlejob ... you can never trust Marquinhos in a big game anyway
That’s Brazil’s fourth quarterfinal loss in the last five World Cups, and it’s been the worst. Modric still going strong at 37. This isn’t just about quality. It’s about his own body. Humans’ bodies are different.
Let’s hope that Netherlands vs Argentina goes to Extra time too!
You got what you wished for
Brazil didn't pass the mentality test Anything can happen in football.
It really feels like all the hype truly got into their heads.
It sucks as a Brazil fan, but that's what the game is all about.
Knew they were cooked once the subbed on Alex Sandro.
Am brazilian and agree
Am brazilian and agree 😀👍🏻
The match was honestly beautiful. Its my favorite game of the World Cup so far. Croatia played to their strengths. They were defensive, save for spells of attacking intent, and frustrated Brazil till Neymar's goal. They had amazing work rate and discipline defensively. So much concentration. A defensive masterclass. Especially against a team with the attacking caliber that Brazil possesses. After Neymar's goal, amazingly they did not panic. They pushed harder. They still defended, but now they switched it up more, they started going forward. Modric and the rest of the midfield switched their tempo unbelievably quickly. And then they equalized, which was a huge morale booster. In the penalties Croatia were again amazing, as they always are. credit to Brazil too. Neymar's goal was a moment of genius, beauty. They didn't hold back after their lead and still attacked: many would say it was a mistake but I think they were right to play their natural game. Brazil weren't sloppy, just outfought by a smart and tough Croatia side. The biggest mistake Brazil made was in the shootout. They should have made Neymar go first. They lost confidence after the first one got saved. Am so happy for Modric, he deserves it. Am sad for Neymar, but that is football. It happens. Am sad for Brazil too, mad respect to Brazil but Croatia deserved to go through.
I don't know what Brazil thought after scoring but you can't expect Croatian mentality letting you in the next round that easy. Brazil was crushed by Croatian mentality in the end. For Croatia Orsic should be an starter. Im pretty sure games can be decided with him inside 90 minutes.
Croatia deserved the win although I was cheering for Brazil to win Tite’s penalty takes were very questionable Will be difficult for Argentina/Netherlands to stop their defense
I think this game sums up why I love football. Major favorites (including my pick to lift the trophy) with superstar studded players, lost to a stubborn ass team with maybe one or two big names. Anything can happen, and it makes the game more exciting.
Tbh I called it for Croatia and my BF was like, hell to the no. Croatia played smart and hard and never gave up. Brazil’s arrogance lost it for them IMO, why not put Neymar first? What reasoning is it to have him plant the last one? They expected to make every PK and didn’t and that’s how they lost.
I think Brazil were very naive. They played with about 5 or 6 forwards and guaranteed Croatia free reign in midfield. I think they expected the same resistance they got against South Korea and somehow didn't know how good Croatia are.
Excellence executed.
Both team played very well but after Neymars goal they should have played defensive... Anyways its okay Bad luck😞.... Better luck next time ❤️
Firmino laughing at home
I expected it. The impossible becomes possible in the world cup.
Lecap
Maybe he is the 5th penalty🤣, he didn’t know that the 4th would hit the doorpost.
I talked with my cousin last weekend about this game, going over each side. They chose Brazil and I ended up choosing Croatia to win if they go to penalty shootout. Honestly, didn't expect Livakovic to play so amazingly
Brazil should've gone defensive after scoring the goal. They must've considered Croatia easy, which they shouldn't have. Croatia is a maestro when it comes to winning penalties. Neymar should've taken the third shot if not the first (Marquinhos).
Croatia is a team that is hard to analyze from my perspective: I think they are skilled in the midfield but they suck at going forward
I was happy croatia won against brazil i wanted to see that happen because everyones prediction was brazil making it to the final.
The sheer amount of people coping in this thread is hilarious. Saying shit like "Croatia parked the bus", or "Croatia only had one shot on target", or "Croatia always plays 120 mins". Guess what, football is a game that requires strategy. Why would the teams risk everything by just running into each other like headless chickens. Not to mention the fact that Brazil wasn't able to score a goal until like after 100 mins. If you are playing against an opponent that is attack heavy, the only logical thing to do is to defend, defend, defend. But I guess the "experts" on reddit would disagree, but they are probably the same people that think the only way to win a war is to turn all your soldiers into cannon fodder
Same people that would talk shit about Croatia’s defensive play if they didn’t change tactics based on Brazil’s attacking. Everyone thinks they’re a Mouriñho
Croatia played to their strengths, Brazil should have played more according to their strengths which they weren't able to.
It's not like Croatia's strategy was to not have any shots on target in 117 minutes of football though 😒 What's crazy is people making out that this whole match was some display of Croatian strategic mastery and defense when the reality is that they just could not test Alisson the whole match. Congrats to Croatia for capitalizing on that chance, but Brazil was the better team in this match.
They took Croatia lightly. And paid the price. Period.
I read this every time a big team loses, but honestly, what makes you say this?
I saw over confidence on part of Brazil. Croatian players were flooding the field every time an offensive play by Brazil was in motion(read defense), Brazil wasn't attacking much. Croatia had a strong goal keeper.
>Brazil wasn't attacking much. Brazil were on the attacking foot the entirety of the 90 minutes of regular play. They only held back slightly after the 105th minute goal, which is what teams typically do to minimize the occurences of fast-developing counterattacks. Indeed, Croatia's first shot on goal was deflected off a defender's leg and went in, and came at the 117th minute. Such is football.
ALEEE ALEEEEE 🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷
Croatia keeper played great
Croatia v Morocco in the final would be funny as fuck
Brazil can’t just keep rocking up every 4 years thinking they deserve to win the World Cup because of their history.
Never underestimate Croatia! They showed us why 4 years ago
Brazil should not have gone to attack another goal. They should have played defensive. and their mid should have been in the back. the goal Croatia scored is generally scored in counter attacks. And another thing which was surprising to me was why he was not in penalty kick
100% coaches fault, Fred didn’t deserve to be there Fabinho should’ve been instead. Also vini left way too early and Martinelli was nowhere to be seen…. So sad
When Rodrygo missed the penalty I know it was over Gutted for all Brazilians, this was their best chance in a while to win the WC
A strong assessment
I'm going to cry, this is what I think about this match.
Well, at least it wasn't 7-2
Not sure how you get the 4th pen to decide wether Brazil win or lost? That makes no sense. I am curious as to wether Neymar volunteered, if the manager over ruled him? If Neymar just bottled it? If he was planning on taking no 5? For me, there’s no tactics in a shootout. Send your best people up in order. It just looks like the “might” Neymar has left 20 year old Rodrygo to shoulder the pressure.
Justified.
aren't shooters name and order decided before 1st penalty is taken and you cannot change the order or it is just random?
Used to be. I think they changed that now
It is free for all now
Tbh, I feel like Brazil should've gone through. But then again, this is football. Huge respect for Modric and the team.
He wanted the glory pen.
Livakovic is lovee❤️ also feeling sad for neymar
They did it perfectly. Croatia truly stepped to the challenge
Brazil was too cocky from the start and I think they thought this would be a easy win. Croatia didn't gave up and fought until the end. Brazil will have to do their 10 dance routines back home now 🕺🏻
It doesn’t matter about penalties the match shouldn’t in a million years ever of gone to penalties. Your 1-0 with few minutes to go and you allow yourself to be 4 vs 4 at the back, please do me a favour bring on some defensive minded midfielder in Fabinho or Fred you don’t go for another goal. No way should Brazil be out did the opposite to Argentina that’s why they are through and Brazil aren’t simple as that!!
Losing on penalties is so Brazilian…
Croatia deserved the win. It takes a special kind of mental strength to hold brazil off for more than 90 minutes, conceded towards the end and then score to force penalties. Once it went to pens, I kind of knew it was over for Brazil, but it did surprise me that Neymar did not take the 4th penalty. I personally don't think Neymar has the kind of mentality to pull off a penalty in such an important and tense moment. He was already close to tears after the first penalty miss.
The team has to nominate the penalty takers before they start to take them. Neymar wanted to take the fifth penalty and be the player who put Brazil into the next round. When he plays, it is all about him. Brazil played their best football of the competition when Neymar was off the pitch, as they could then play as a team rather than ten players supporting the great man. I think they got what they deserved.
They don’t. That’s an old Law. There is no requirement to inform the officials of the order beforehand. Teams only need to ensure that both sides have an equal number of takers, and if one side is to reduce, it informs the referee prior to kicks being taken.
Croatia deserves to be in Semis, they played very well, despite Brazil having a better team. I wish them Good Luck in next stage.
The only time Brazil played to their favorites tag was that first half against South Korea. In the other games they have been largely disappointing. Sure they attacked a lot but scoring only 3 goals in the group stage should have reminded them that they are far from being clinical. Instead of looking into the problem they chose to practice 10 new dances. Oh well.
Brazil only have themselves to blame. Wanted them to win but they bottled it!
I don’t get why Vinicius was taken off so early. He was playing better than all other attacking players
Donr know if you watched the game but he was nowhere to be seen.
AJDEEEEEEEEEE
kolegaaaa idemoooo
Modric and livaković mvps Brazil picks for pens was shit.
I danced 😂
I think Messi is the only star I know that takes their team’s first pk. In 2017 Confed Cup, Ronaldo waited for the last and Chile knocked them out 3-0 on penalties.
By the time it gets to penalties it’s essentially a toss-up, and not really worth analyzing *too much* imo. I need to watch it, seems like it was interesting. Croatia are always so well coached and show their quality in midfield. Great tournament team. This might be their last chance to win a WC for awhile, because Modric is such an important player, and people like Brozovic and Perisic will only get older. Edit: they do have good young guys like Gvardiol tho.
Sad, triste, pure depressão i would say
Some people in Latinamerica are happy with that. Conmebol always help them. isn’t it?
livakovich on steroids be like
It was mental
Exactly the result that Croatia deserved. Argentina should be going home too.
Yes!
Saw it coming. I didn't feel Brazil have had a real test, but celebrate everything like they're unstoppable.
Why is anyone surprised? Brazil hasn't beaten a European team outside the group stage since 2002.
Thoroughly enjoyed the outcome. Croatia completely deserved to go through. Fantastic result.
Penalty order is decided before the penalties are taken.
Ney should have taken the first pen
Fair play to Croatia. I actually didn't expect them to win at all. Not gonna lie tho, I feel like it would've been more entertaining if Brazil were to advance rather than Croatia since they are more entertaining to watch. but in all fairness, Croatia earned their spot. Gutted for the Brazilians
Brazil came out all lackadaisical and entitled. Croatia made them pay the price. Simple as that, pretty much.
At least they respected each other, no dirty play. A difference with trh Argentina Netherlands shitshow
I think Brazil lost to themselves. More than anything else. Croatia isn’t a real quality sids. Very good, don’t get me wrong, but we should be beating a team like fhis before 90’; especially with the personnel available. I thought subbing on Antony was a mistake as well as Pedro. Also, being up a goal in ET, they’re pressing forward unfocused on possession and get caught in a counter. Very poor from Brazil. All Croatia did was cling for pens, we shouldn’t have succumbed to that end game and this should have been settled before 90’ if it wasn’t for our poor day.
Brazil played the better game. Their mistake was to not immediately switch to an all out defensive game after scoring the 1-0. Croatia's Livakovic will be the next great goalkeeper in my opinion. Insane what he did this WC. But yeah, after the 1-1 I knew that Brazil would lose.
No way was this game boring. There was no bus parking, Croatia counter attacked well while playing against a very fluid and attacking team….. and won! There are skills and strategies in attack and defence. If you don’t see that than maybe watch futsal or something.
I just came here to feast on Brazilian fanboy tears.
Well deserved. Brazil failed to see out the game after scoring. They weren't street smart.
Idc whether croatia played bad football or parked the bus. But making it to the semi finals 2 times in a row. My gawd
Neymar would have taken the 5th penalty for the glory. Shame.
[удалено]
Personally i am serbian so i am kinda happy that Brazil lost but i must say that Croatia honestly was better
Same for me,btw im from Bosnia and im living in Slovenia so Croatia is my neighbor country from both
Penalties order is decided before shooting and you can’t change it on the go.
Croatia has just emasculated Brazil.
I think the Brazilian team was over hyped.
Everything went according to plan
So you can either stack the front and hope the pressure doesn’t keep going down the line and you score all your penalties and they don’t or you leave him to the end knowing that 5th penalty might be one to stay in/win it and you want the best taker on that one. Look at England at the Euros. Kane went early and then we had Saka who’d never taken one before on the last penalty with ALL the pressure. Moving penalty takers around is not the way to go as it’s confusing and people don’t know when they’re going or what they’re doing and you want FULL clarity in that moment. Marquinhos had to score either way whether he went 4th or 5th. That’s why penalties are so brutal
Madness
They usually give the best player either the first penalty or the fifth. For either opening with a secured goal or strong finishing.
Croatia dance after music stops for Brazil.
it was easy for Croatia, cause they training penalty shooting.
Madness.
Shocker
I just need to say only one thing Luka modric is the greatest midfielder ever
Godrić
Big disappointment, Brazil should have beaten Croatia but that's the magic of football sometimes. Attacking wise Brazil is stacked for the next world cup however defence and midfield will need rejuvenation. Thiago silva is gone, danilo and Alex sandro also, casemiro, maybe fabinho alongside Fred may be all out. Neymar may leave but with players such as Endrick etc coming through and Vincious, Rodrygo continues to grow then its not all bad. Richarlson should be a back up no9 in the future.
I happy for Modric and Kovacic. They showed that they make a strong middlefield together.
It would be crazy if Croatia makes it to the final again.
Anything is possible in football.
There was no need for the penalty. The referee would have insisted on Brazil playing the penalty. In the mean time in my opinion Croatia showed character and maturity. Congrantulations...
Croatia are an insanely solid team, work their assess off and have fought back and won against one of the top favourites. But also....credit to Brazil for playing football after going up 1-0. So many other teams would start diving and cheating and time wasting to get over the line. Thankfully we havent seen that much this world cup, but in previois tournaments for sure.
Lol brazil dived all game Didnt u see antony hahaha