FIFA World Cup 2022: Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties to enter semi-final

Xtra Time Web Desk: Five-time former World Champions Brazil lost to Croatia 2-4 on penalties in the quarter final of FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Education City Stadium on Friday. Rodrygo’s first shot was brilliantly saved by Dominic Livakovic and Marquinhos shot rebounded after hitting the bar while Croatia converted all the four shots to march in the semi-final.

Both the sides failed to break the deadlock as the score remained 0-0 in regulation time. Brazil took the lead in the 105th minute through their talismanic striker Neymar Jr. The Paris Saint Germain forward scored his 77th goal to draw level with Pele.

As it looked like the match will stay 1-0 in favour of Brazil, Bruno Petkovic hit a dramatic late leveller to send the tie to penalties. Petkovic latched onto Mislav Orsic’s cross and his shot deflected off Marquinhos which wrong-footed Alisson, to see Croatia on level terms in the 117th minute.

Marquinhos and Rodrygo then both failed to score in tie-breaker, while Croatia scored all four of theirs to progress into the last four of the tournament.

Croatia will face either Argentina or the Netherlands, who play later on Friday night, for a place in the final.