Brazil are looking to continue their conquests in this year’s World Cup and potentially progress to the semi-finals against Croatia later today at the Education City Stadium.
Seleção progressed to the quarter-finals after a relatively easy win over South Korea, where Croatia had to sweat it all the way to penalties against Japan, where the Samurai Blue missed three and pretty much sent the Chequered Ones forward.
Regarding team news, Josip Stanišić remains a doubt for the Croatians, whereas Borna Sosa is set to be available to manager Zlatko Dalić, who is not expected to make a lot of changes to his starting lineup. The midfield wizards Mateo Kovacić, Luka Modrić and Marcelo Brozović are all due to start; however, Modrić and Kovacić, along with Dejan Lovren should be careful in their tackles as they are one booking away from suspension. Defense-wise, Lovren is expected to continue partnering with Josko Gvardiol.
When it comes to Brazil, Seleção will be missing Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles, who are ruled out of the tournament with knee problems. According to manager Tite, Alex Sandro is also unlikely to participate against Croatia, as he is not fully recovered from a hip injury. Danilo is set to start at left-back, with Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Éder Militão. Militão is one yellow card away from missing a potential semi-final for Brazil. Casemiro and Lucas Paquetá are also expected starters; Neymar as well, after having recovered from an ankle injury.
Team News:
Croatia: 1. Livaković, 22. Juranović, 6. Lovren, 20. Gvardiol, 19. Sosa, 10. Modrić (c), 11. Brozović, 8. Kovačić, 15. Pašalić, 9. Kramarić, 4. Perišić
Brazil: 1. Alisson, 14. Militão, 4. Marquinhos, 3. Silva (c), 2. Danilo, 7. Paquetá, 5. Casemiro, 11. Raphinha, 10. Neymar, 20. Vinicius Jr., 9. Richardlison
