Close Menu
Chronicle.ng
    Trending Stories
    FG resolves passport crisis in New York, Atlanta consulates

    Nigerian passport rises to 88th globally, highest in five years

    July 24, 2025
    NAFDAC uncovers weapons in Onitsha, linked to fake drug dealers

    NAFDAC uncovers explosive chemical warehouse in Kano

    July 24, 2025
    How ADC collapsed under Obasanjo-led coalition before 2019 elections

    ADC criticises Tinubu over US travel advisory, faults lack of diplomatic presence

    July 24, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Nigerian passport rises to 88th globally, highest in five years
    • NAFDAC uncovers explosive chemical warehouse in Kano
    • ADC criticises Tinubu over US travel advisory, faults lack of diplomatic presence
    • Obi replies Okpebholo, ‘I’m not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria’
    • Adebayo Pelumi: Suspect kills self over murder of Kogi photojournalist
    • Ex-NHIS boss, BDC operator convicted for $2.2m fraud in Lagos
    • Osinbajo says Buhari proved Nigerians can lead with Integrity
    • BREAKING: Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan is dead
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Chronicle.ngChronicle.ng
    Subscribe
    Thursday, July 24
    • News
      • Nigeria News
      • World News
      • Headlines News
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Sport
    • Entertainment
    • Contact Us
    Chronicle.ng

    Croatia knock favourites Brazil out of World Cup

    David GreatBy David GreatDecember 9, 20221 Comment4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Telegram WhatsApp
    Croatia's Lovro Majer, Josip Juranovic and Josko Gvardiol celebrate winning the penalty shootout
    Croatia's Lovro Majer, Josip Juranovic and Josko Gvardiol celebrate winning the penalty shootout
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp

    Croatia stunned favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties on Friday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row after battling back from a goal down in extra time, in one of the biggest knockout-phase upsets in the tournament’s history.

    The 2018 runners-up came through their second straight shootout after beating Japan on penalties in the last 16 and will now face either the Netherlands or Argentina, who were playing each other in the later game.

    In an evening filled with tension and drama, Brazil superstar Neymar thought he had won it for the five-time champions when he rifled in an extra-time goal.

    But Brazil were punished for letting their guard down, with substitute Bruno Petkovic drilling in an 117th-minute equaliser with their one and only shot on target, 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 and now have a perfect four-out-of-four record in World Cup penalty shootouts, kept their composure as Brazil’s Marquinhos and Rodrygo failed to convert.

    “This is just for the Croatian people,” said coach Zlatko Dalic. “A great match from the first minute to the last. We eliminated the biggest favourites. This is not the end for us, let’s keep going.”

    “This is a victory for all of us, everyone gave their best. Thanks also to those on the bench, who also live for this national team.”

    Croatia's Dominik Livakovic saves a penalty from Japan's Takumi Minamino during the shootout REUTERS Lee Smith
    FILE: Croatia’s Dominik Livakovic saves a penalty from Japan’s Takumi Minamino during the shootout REUTERS/Lee Smith

    “I am overjoyed that we, with a 3-1/2 million population, are entering the semi-finals for the second time in a row. I will tell everyone now to say ‘We are not normal’.”

    Croatia not intimidated

    Croatia refused to be intimidated by their more illustrious opponents, and in the first half successfully stifled most Brazil moves.

    Apart from a weak Vinicius Jr. shot, Brazil had little to offer in terms of attack with Neymar off the pace and shut out by a hard-working backline.

    • Croatia beat Japan on penalties to reach quarters

    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.

    The Brazilians, whose last win over a European opponent in the knockout phase came in their 2002 final victory over Germany, enjoy a stronger start after the break with Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol almost scoring an own goal.

    Neymar came even closer in the 55th when he was sent through by Richarlison but keeper and man-of-the-match Dominik Livakovic blocked it.

    The Brazilians, who have now lost four of their last five World Cup quarter-finals, all to European opposition, missed another chance in the 66th when Lucas Paqueta was denied by Livakovic.

    Keeper busy

    The Croatia keeper was kept busy and again stopped Neymar in the 76th, having by that time amassed more saves in the match (seven) than his Brazil counterpart, Alisson, had in the entire tournament (five).

    He then parried another Paqueta shot five minutes later as the few hundred Brazil fans in the stands grew louder and more impatient and the game ticked over into extra time, with Brazil coach Tite visibly nervous.

    In stoppage time in the first period, Neymar launched an attack outside the box, played two consecutive one-twos to bamboozle the tired Croatian defence and then rounded the keeper and fired in to equal Brazil great Pele’s record of 77 international goals.

    But the Croats did not give in and instead snatched a late Petkovic equaliser.

    They then came out on top in the shootout, scoring all their spot kicks while Livakovic first saved Rodrygo’s effort and then Marquinhos hit the post on the fourth kick, reducing Neymar and his team mates to tears.

    “It is hard to have words at the moment there,” said Brazil captain Thiago Silva.

    “When we lose something important that we had as a goal, it hurts a lot. Unfortunately as a player, I won’t be able to raise this cup,” said the 38-year-old.

    Croatia, by contrast, can dream again of picking up their first world title.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Telegram WhatsApp

    Keep Reading

    Ex-WWE superstar Hulk Hogan declares support for Trump

    BREAKING: Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan is dead

    Nigeria bids to host F1 race as first African country in 32 years

    Nigeria bids to host F1 race as first African country in 32 years

    Rashford says he feels fitter, better since joining Aston Villa

    Marcus Rashford joins Barcelona on season-long loan from Manchester United

    Super Eagles legend Joseph Yobo returns to school

    Super Eagles legend Joseph Yobo returns to school

    Drogba storms Istanbul for Osimhen's Galatasaray unveiling after €80m Napoli exit

    Drogba storms Istanbul for Osimhen’s Galatasaray unveiling after €80m Napoli exit

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye banned from football over illegal betting

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye banned from football over illegal betting

    View 1 Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Subscribe to News

    Be the first to get the latest news updates from ChronicleNG about world, sports, politics etc

    FG resolves passport crisis in New York, Atlanta consulates

    Nigerian passport rises to 88th globally, highest in five years

    July 24, 2025
    NAFDAC uncovers weapons in Onitsha, linked to fake drug dealers

    NAFDAC uncovers explosive chemical warehouse in Kano

    July 24, 2025
    How ADC collapsed under Obasanjo-led coalition before 2019 elections

    ADC criticises Tinubu over US travel advisory, faults lack of diplomatic presence

    July 24, 2025
    ADC blasts Edo gov over 'unacceptable' travel ban on Obi

    Obi replies Okpebholo, ‘I’m not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria’

    July 24, 2025
    Adebayo Pelumi: Suspect kills self over murder of Kogi photojournalist

    Adebayo Pelumi: Suspect kills self over murder of Kogi photojournalist

    July 24, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Politics
    • News
    • Sports
    • Business
    • About Us
    © 2025 ChronicleNG

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.