Croatia scored all four of their penalties but Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their spot kicks for Brazil, who missed a sixth crown
By Kehinde Okeowo
Croatia, beaten finalists four years ago, have knocked out favourites, Brazil, from the 2022 World Cup after beating the South Americans 4-2 on penalties.
After an engrossing 90 minutes, Brazil thought they had won the encounter in extra time when Neymar scored a thumping effort to equal Brazil’s ‘official’ men’s goalscoring record.
But substitute Bruno Petkovic levelled scores for Croatia in a 116th-minute with his side’s first shot on target in the match.
Both sides had opportunities to settle the game in 120 minutes but they could not be separated. The game then went into extra time and eventually penalties.
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Croatia scored all four of their spot-kicks but Rodrygo who took Brazil’s first kick was denied by the brilliant Dominik Livakovic, while Marquinhos’ crucial fourth effort struck the post.
As the ball hit the foot of the woodwork and bounced away, Croatia’s players sprinted to celebrate with their goalkeeper.
The Brazil team, however, hit the turf, knowing their dream of a sixth crown had come to an end.
The European after the precious win have now set up a semi-final meeting with the Netherlands or Argentina
on Tuesday.