Croatia came from a goal down in extra time and battled past heavy favourites Brazil 4-2penalties on Friday to reach the World Cup semifinals for the second consecutive time following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, and with one of the biggest upsets in the tournament history’s knockout phase.
The 2018 runners-up came through their second straight shootout after beating Japan also on penalties in the last 16 and will now face either the Netherlands or Argentina who play each other later.
In an evening filled with tension and drama, Brazil superstar Neymar thought he had won the game when he rifled in an extra-time goal for the five-time world champions.
But instead of protecting their lead they went in search of a second and were punished when Croatia substitute Bruno Petkovic drilled in a left-footed equaliser three minutes from the end of extra time, breaking Brazilian hearts in the Education City Stadium.
The Croats, who needed two shootouts and an extra-time win to reach the final in 2018, then kept their composure from the penalty spot as Brazil’s Marquinhos and Rodrygo failed to convert.
Croatia refused to be intimidated by their more illustrious opponents and in the first half successfully stifled most Brazil moves early.
Apart from a weak Vinicius Jr. shot, Brazil had little else to offer in terms of attack with Neymar off the pace and shut out by a hard-working backline.
It was Croatia who looked sharper, more skilled in their passing game and with a precise game plan, and by the end of the first half they had the upper hand in terms of possession.
A Neymar free kick just before the break did not trouble Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic as the Brazilians, whose last win over a European opponent in the knockout phase came in their 2002 final victory over Germany, struggled to find any space.
They did, however, almost take the lead three minutes after the restart when Josko Gvardiol tried to clear the ball but almost turned it into his own goal.