Classified for the semifinals after eliminating Brazil, Croatia begins to repeat in the Qatar Cup the incredible campaign it had in the World Cup in Russia.
Four years ago, the team led by Modric went through the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals, needing to play in extra time. In the round of 16, the rival was Denmark. The 1-1 tie in normal time was maintained in extra time. On penalties, Croatia scored 3-2.
Then came host Russia. After a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Croatians scored in overtime, but conceded equality when there were only 5 minutes left. On penalties, the Croatians won again, 4-3.
Against England, the theory that the Croatians would be tired in the semifinal seemed correct: just after 5 minutes, Trippier opened the scoring for the English. However, the Eastern European team recovered and equalized in the second half with Perisic. And without showing fatigue, the Croatians were superior in overtime and scored again, guaranteeing a place in the final.
In the Russian Cup decision, France dominated the match and scored 4-2 in the 90 minutes.
Four years later, in Qatar, Croatia made it through the group stage with just one win against Canada, 4-1 — and draws against Belgium and Morocco.
In the final stage, the first rival was Japan. And again the match needed extra time and penalties to decide the vacancy, after the 1 to 1 in the 90 minutes. Goalkeeper Livakovic, reserve in the 2018 World Cup, was the big star with three saves against the Asians. Croatia scored 3-1 on penalties.
Against Brazil, Livakovich shone again. After the draw in normal time, Neymar had to dribble the goalkeeper to open the scoring. But with 4 minutes to go, Petkovic managed to equalize with Croatia’s only shot on goal.
On penalties, Livakovic took the first kick, from Rodrygo, and was lucky to see Marquinhos hit the post. The Croatians did not miss, 4 to 2.
Now, Croatia is waiting for the winner of Holland x Argentina to decide the first finalist of the World Cup. If there is overtime, there is a favorite.
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