London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025

Croatia 1-1 Brazil (4-2 pens): Favourites knocked out of World Cup on penalties

Croatia 1-1 Brazil (4-2 pens): Favourites knocked out of World Cup on penalties

Brazil were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup at the quarter-final stage after losing to Croatia on penalties in the most dramatic fashion.
Croatia settled into the game well with Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic dominating the first-half midfield battle.

Josip Juranovic, seemingly spotted by Vinicius Jr early on as a defensive weak point, was an attacking force with a number of bombing runs forward, one after 12 minutes almost seeing him apply a finishing touch to a fine Mario Pasalic cross.

Pasalic’s presence in Croatia’s front three helped break up Brazil’s flow as he dropped deep to target Neymar.

On 22 minutes, the South Americans showed a glimpse of threat as Josko Gvardiol expertly blocked Vinicius’ shot and Neymar placed an effort down the throat of the goalkeeper.

Dominik Livakovic stood strong later in the half to catch a Neymar free-kick that tickled the wall in what was a rare moment of first-half impetus from Brazil.

Tite’s side came out with more intent in the second period, almost forcing Gvardiol into netting an own goal as Livakovic made a fine save.

Neymar broke through one-on-one after some fine hold-up work by Richarlison on 55 minutes, placing a tame shot straight at the keeper.

Brazil threw on Antony and Rodrygo as they looked to gradually ramp up their pressure on the Croatia goal, Lucas Paqueta going close next.

On 76 minutes, the otherwise subpar Neymar broke free once more down the left channel to test Livakovic, who made himself big to once again deny the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Extra time was required as Croatia quelled the late pressure, seeing out their fifth-straight draw in World Cup knockout ties - having won the previous four.

A nervy first 15 minutes was punctured in trademark samba style as the ball broke for Neymar in the box and he danced around Livakovic before firing into the roof of the net.

The goal broke the deadlock and sent one of the great footballing nations wild, their talisman equalling Pele’s 77-goal record for Brazil at the most crucial of moments.

And yet, Croatia came rallying back with Bruno Petkovic’s deflected shot after 117 minutes securing the most dramatic of levellers.

Croatia were perfect with all four penalties after Rodrygo missed his opening effort and Marquinhos hit the post with Brazil’s fourth - extending their wait for a World Cup trophy to at least 24 years.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Europe Pursues Digital Autonomy Amidst Transatlantic Strains
OpenAI Lands Unprecedented $40 Billion Funding.
Charity Chairwoman Accuses Prince Harry of Bullying and Harassment
DOGE revealed that USAID provided $84 million to the Clinton Foundation. Of this amount, $3 million was spent on Chelsea Clinton's wedding, and $10 million was used to acquire a lavish mansion.
The State Department has announced the formal closure of USAID.
Apple's Innovation Deficit: Falling Behind in AI and Foldable Technology as Chinese Developments Progress
President Trump Proposes Military Intervention to Obtain Greenland
Passenger Taken into Custody After Engaging in Masturbation on SWISS Air Flight
Barcelona player Dani Alves found not guilty of rape accusations.
PUTIN'S LIMOUSINE DETONATES—SECURITY CHAOS ENSUES
French Foreign Ministry Denounces U.S. Interference in Corporate Diversity Initiatives
Copyright Issues Emerge as AI-Generated Studio Ghibli Images Gain Popularity
This is what we refer to as CREATIVITY.
Removing the Political Opponent Means Dismissing the Remnants of Turkey's Economy.
Malaysia Strengthens Semiconductor Regulations in Response to U.S. Pressure to Restrict AI NVIDIA Chip Exports to China.
OpenAI Launches New Image Generation Tool for ChatGPT
Ex-FIFA President and French Football Icon Acquitted of Corruption Allegations
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz Under Investigation After Journalist Added to Secret Military Chat
Ex-Business Partner of Hunter Biden Discusses Possible Pardon from President Trump
U.S. Attorney General Announces Task Force to Prosecute Government Fraud
American Brands Face Consumer Boycott in Europe Amid Escalating Trade and Political Tensions
White House Investigates Security Breach After Journalist Accidentally Added to Secret Yemen Strike Chat
Samsung Executive Han Jong-hee Dies Suddenly Amid Ongoing Corporate Challenges
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has just signed off on a national debt hike to fast-track Germany’s militarization
Heathrow Airport Restarts Services as Investigation into Power Outage Commences
Pope Francis Released from Hospital Following Pneumonia Treatment
Pope Francis Appears in Public for the First Time in Five Weeks After His Hospital Stay
Usha Vance to Head U.S. Delegation During Greenland Visit Amid Discussions on Annexation
Trump suggests US could join British Commonwealth if offered by King Charles
Elon Musk Files Lawsuit Against Jamaal Bowman for Defamatory Remarks
European Countries to Boost Defense Expenditures in Response to Changes in U.S. Assistance
Iconic Boxer George Foreman Dies at 76
European Airline Shares Fall Following Disruption from Heathrow Power Outage
Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital Following Recovery from Pneumonia
Thousands Take to the Streets in Amsterdam to Protest Racism and Fascism
Revealing the Electromagnetic Characteristics of the Great Pyramid of Giza
President Trump Cancels Security Clearances for Notable Political Figures.
The Development of China's Automotive Sector
Netanyahu Dismisses Shin Bet Chief Amid 'Loss of Trust' and 'Qatargate' Corruption Investigations Involving Netanyahu's Advisors
UK Conservatives Remain Optimistic Despite Polling Challenges
Labour MPs Unveil Initiative to Combat Harmful Influencers and Advocate for Healthy Masculinity
Miami Beach Mayor Cancels Plan to Expel Cinema Following Documentary Showing
Thousands of Drones Illuminate the Sky in Honor of Trump.
Leaders of the US and Ukraine Participate in Constructive Call During Ongoing Conflict
Elon Musk's X Experiences Valuation Recovery to $44 billion.
UK Government Set to Implement Major Budget Cuts in Spring Statement
US Federal Reserve Downgrades Economic Growth Outlook Due to Tariff Uncertainty
EU Claims US Tech Giants Have Violated Digital Regulations
Canada Denounces the Execution of Its Citizens in China Amid Rising Tensions
European Union Moves Toward Joint Debt for Military Spending
×