FIFA World Cup 2022, Quarter Finals: Croatia outclass in penalty shootout, heartbreak for Brazil

On December 9, Friday, Brazil and Croatia competed against each other in the quarter-finals of the world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosted by Qatar . The first half turned out to be a thrilling one given neither of the teams managed to take the lead in the given 45 minutes. 

While the Brazilian camp tried their best to create opportunities, the Croatian team, on the other hand, failed to bank on their strengths and convert their opportunities into a goal. To add more to the first 45 minutes, it was Brazil who created more chances as compared to that Croatia. 

With the scoreline remaining at 0-0, fans hoped that their favourite team, the mighty Brazilian team would take home the win and make a cut to the semi-finals of the ongoing multinational tournament. Croatia, on the other hand, looked to make a comeback in the next half and produce an unbelievable win, although one has to agree that it seemed highly unlikely.

Stunning quarter-final between Brazil and Croatia in FIFA Word Cup 2022

As far as the second half is concerned, Brazil were brimming with confidence, sneaking every chance possible against the low-morale Croatian team, who struggled to keep up with the pace of Brazil team. All hopes were on Richarlison, given that the player has pulled off a few unbelievable stuff in the tournament so far. 

Much to the surprise of the Brazilian team, at the 75-minute mark, both teams still remained goalless and it remained to be seen if either of the teams would open their account. Eventually, the match remained that it would enter into the extra time phase as neither of the teams managed to score a goal at the 90-minute mark. With the match entering the extra time, fans hoped for a winner as many opined that heading into a penalty shootout would be a cakewalk for Brazil.

Eventually, the match looked like it will not enter the penalty shootout phase as Brazil's star player Neymar Jr pulled off a stunning goal in the 105+4th minute and put Brazil on the front foot right away, inching them closer to the semi-finals. It was a big match and much to the delight of the Brazilian fans, their star and trusted player stood up for them at the right moment.

However, when least expected, Bruno Petković matched the lead right at the stroke of the final whistle and took the match into the penalty shootout, silencing the critics who claimed that Croatia might not make a comeback in the game. After toiling hard for more than 3 hours, it was Croatia who won the game in the penalty shootout.