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Brazil had sambaed their means by this World Cup however within the quarter-finals they got here up towards a Croatia group who made them dance to a distinct tune.
The concertmaster, as ever, was the tireless, timeless Luka Modric. The 37-year-old had performed 99 minutes 4 days in the past in Croatia’s exhausting battle with Japan. You wouldn’t have guessed it.
The little maestro put in a virtuoso show in the course of the park on Friday, hounding his former Actual Madrid team-mate Casemiro to stifle Brazil’s build-up and, together with his customary artistry in possession, guarantee Croatia managed the tempo of this match.
Throughout the 120 minutes, Modric accomplished 105 of his 115 passes, together with one which helped launch his nation away for his or her last-gasp equaliser after they had been on the brink. He then capped his show with a cool penalty to consolidate Croatia’s benefit within the shootout. Some encore to the Modric masterclass.
However whereas Brazil’s destiny on this event appeared centred on the strain and prospects going through one man in Neymar – whose fantastic record-equalling aim appeared to have clinched this cagey tie – Croatia’s focus isn’t just on Modric.
He leads the best way as captain and chief playmaker however round him are different gifted technicians united with a never-say-die angle.
It is a Croatia group able to stopping the World Cup favourites of their tracks and a Croatia group which doesn’t know when it’s overwhelmed. Even with two minutes of extra-time to play.
It’s an unbelievable ethos and dedication to the trigger which has seen this aspect take seven of their final eight opponents in knockout rounds at main tournaments into extra-time. The one exception was their defeat to France within the World Cup remaining 4 years in the past.
To get to that showpiece in Moscow, Croatia went past the 90 minutes in every one of many three earlier rounds. They’re two from two up to now in Qatar and only one match away from one other crack at a World Cup remaining.
Their unshakeable mentality extends into penalty shootouts. They’ve now gained two in every week and 4 in complete.
It helps they’ve Dominik Livakovic in aim, who’s wanting like one thing of a shootout specialist, having saved three spot-kicks towards Japan and one other towards Brazil. His newest adopted a match during which he had made a tournament-high 11 saves to maintain Croatia in contact.
Brazil will rue the actual fact they didn’t push him to his limits to make any of these 11 stops. Too usually their ending was tame or directed straight on the Croatia ‘keeper. However their restricted attacking menace – till Neymar’s swift, slick second of inspiration in extra-time – was a results of Croatia’s diligent work in defence.
Croatia gamers have a good time after defeating Brazil on penalties
In entrance of Livakovic, Dejan Lovren made a mockery of pre-tournament recommendations he’s past his greatest or a possible weak hyperlink on this aspect, with a game-high 10 clearances. Alongside him was the standout Josko Gvardiol, who at simply 20 years outdated, confirmed a outstanding skill to be composed or combative on the proper second.
The RB Leipzig teenager has been linked with Chelsea however they are going to all be queuing as much as signal him when the switch window opens.
To the left, Borna Sosa – the sport’s prime tackler – ensured Raphinha barely received a kick earlier than limiting Antony, whereas right-back Josip Juranovic was a sensation, bursting forwards with tempo and energy, offering Croatia with an excellent outlet and approach to rise up the pitch when Brazil had been placing the strain on.
Josip Juranovic impressed at right-back for Croatia
In midfield, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic had been note-perfect, too. It’s astounding {that a} nation of lower than 4 million can see Ivan Rakitic retire and but nonetheless boast three of one of the best central midfielders within the enterprise.
Rakitic’s absence is probably not felt however one other hero of that 2018 run, Mario Mandzukic, is definitely missed.
It’s within the remaining third the place this Croatia group could come unstuck. Sub Bruno Petkovic had appeared properly off the tempo earlier than his deflected shot did the injury 117 minutes into this contest. Up till then, Croatia had not come near troubling Alisson within the Brazil aim.
In truth, this was the primary time on document {that a} group had scored with their first shot on course when that shot got here in extra-time.
With that mixture of strengths and weaknesses, you’d be silly to again towards Croatia’s semi-final going past the 90 minutes too.
Actually, if they’re to be overwhelmed in Qatar, it will take an almighty efficiency to interrupt by their ranks and break their resistance.
“By no means. Give. Up.” tweeted Modric after the match. It’s the mantra of this Croatia group.
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