Croatia trounced Brazil 4-2 to keep their clean sheet in penalty shootouts at the World Cup and qualified for the semifinals in a nail-biting encounter at the Education City Stadium on Friday
Brazil's Marquinhos and Rodrygo missed their penalty kicks in the shootout, while Croatia remarkably converted all four of their kicks to advance to the tournament's semi-final
Throughout the entire game, neither team was able to create several chances due to Croatia's strong defence against Brazil. The five-time champions will try to resume the game with even more assertiveness and intensity after failing to create much space in the midfield. Croatia will undoubte
Following a 0-0 tie with Croatia, Belgium was eliminated from the group stage, placing third behind the Croatians and group winners Morocco. Belgium would have advanced to the round of 16 if they had won their last group encounter.
Croatia progressed to pre-quarters as finished second in the group with seven points in three matches, behind Morocco which defeated Canada 2-1 to top the group with seven points.
Canada were ahead against Croatia after Alphonso Davies scored his team's first goal ever in the history of the World Cup. He also scored the fastest goal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the team suffered a defeat against the 2018 World Cup runner-ups.
Croatia boss Dalic stated that Herdman must be upset after the loss and was not present to congratulate the players. He also added that the Canada coach is a great professional but still has a lot to learn.
Croatia overcame an early setback in the game after Alphonso Davies' spectacular header gave Canada a strong start but the 2018 World Cup runner-ups played with poise and tenacity to clinch a significant victory to maintain its lead in Group F.
Croatia came into this match after being held to a 0-0 draw against Morocco in their first match. On the other hand, the Canadians narrowly lost out to Belgium in their first game.
Morocco now have four points in two matches they have played so far with the previous match against Croatia being a draw. On the other hand, the European side has three points in two games with one win and one defeat.