Brazil missed too many chances, to the point of consecrating Livakovic as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup until the semifinals. Three penalties saved in the round of 16 and one more in the quarterfinals. Of five knockouts since 2018, the Croatians have not won any in normal time and have won all but the decider against France.
For them, who took part in a civil war 30 years ago to gain independence, it is the homeland of football boots. Just look at the expressions of the fans dressed in plaid, red and white in the stands.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic was smart. He changed the midfield and used Atalanta’s Pasalic to support Juranovic. It wasn’t just about doubling up on Vinicius Junior. He assisted in marking the right side of the Croatian defense, protected Vinicius’s backboards with Neymar and opened the corridor for Juranovic to attack.
In the first 30 minutes, Croatia attacked three times on that side, created a dangerous cross and suspended Danilo with a yellow card.
Solving the problem would be simple, were it not for Modric. If Casemiro moved a little to Danilo’s side, Croatia’s number 10 would play loose. Casemiro tried not to let go.
There were good moments for the selection in the first half, two shots by Neymar, another by Vini, the protection of the defense worked and Alisson didn’t have to make a save.
Even so, it was painful. For the first time in the Cup, Brazil ended the first half with less ball possession than the rival.
It got better in the second half. Clear chance from Neymar on a good pass from Richarlison. Kick over Livakovich. Play by Paqueta. Merit again from the Croatian goalkeeper. Wasted chances that the World Cup does not forgive. As much as many people do not realize, Croatia is the current world runner-up. It’s not easy to play against them.
Nor has it been easy for Brazil to measure up against Europeans in knockout matches. Especially with Neymar missing four opportunities, as he did.
Richarlison and Neymar reversed roles. The center forward made four passes for finalizations. Neymar wasted chances.
So, Neymar decided. Or rather, he was close to deciding, with a home goal, in which he just didn’t enter with the ball and all because he was humble in goal.
Only then came the fatal error, the counterattack allowed when there were five minutes left to end extra time. Five minutes and you deliver a counterattack? Orsic, who had already destroyed José Mourinho’s Tottenham, for Dinamo Zagreb, in the Europa League, gave the precise pass for Bruno Petkovic to finish.
The detour took Alisson out of the play.
Will Neymar not be the best player of the Cup? And?
Alisson will not be recognized as the best player in the world? It doesn’t matter either.
The question is to understand how to make Brazil belong to the elite again, to play in the semifinals without embarrassing themselves. The Cup of balance, of knowledge spread across all teams, once again takes Croatia above the Brazilian team.
As a seasoned news journalist, I bring a wealth of experience to the field. I’ve worked with world-renowned news organizations, honing my skills as a writer and reporter. Currently, I write for the sports section at News Bulletin 247, where I bring a unique perspective to every story.
