Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties to seal semifinal spot at 2022 World Cup

Brazil’s 2022 World Cup campaign came to a screeching halt against 2018 finalists Croatia. A second consecutive penalty shootout win for them sent one of the favourites to win the tournament packing, in a performance that will be remembered for years to come. 

Following the match, Brazil head coach Tite has announced that he has stepped down from his role in charge of the team. He follows Roberto Martinez and Luis Enrique to exit the national team set-up after being eliminated from the World Cup. 

Croatia through to semi-finals after beating Brazil 

After the display that the Selecao put on against South Korea in the Round of 16, there were very few betting against them to make it to the last four. But, a spirited display from Croatia prevented the South American giants from making it through. 

They shut out the attack until the 105th minute, when Neymar found the back of the net to break the deadlock. The PSG winger has now equalled the legendary Pele for the most goals in the history of the Brazilian national team at 77. 

However, Bruno Petkovic was able to equalise for his country in the second half to send the decision to penalties. Rodrygo stepped up to take the first penalty, and was denied by Dominik Livakovic. Marquinhos missed his penalty by hitting the post, and surrendering the game in the process. 

It was yet another career-making performance from Livakovic, who has won a second consecutive penalty shootout. And, he has also become the goalkeeper with the joint-most saves in a World Cup game with 10, putting him in the history books for his efforts.