Brazil’s dreams of a 6th World Cup are crushed by a late Petkovic equaliser. Starman Neymar hints at his final World Cup stating he “might not have the mental strength for football”, and can’t “100% guarantee”, he will be seen in the yellow and green of Brasilia again.
Captain Thiago Silva had also had an unfortunate end to his wish of winning the Cup, saying: “We are not used to taking this kind of counter attacks as we are well organised”, in response to the shock defeat that they suffered.
On the other end, Croatia celebrated a shock victory in what defender Dejan Lovren called “something special against the favourites”. When asked what he thought was most important to turn things around he answered: “We said in the last 15 mins don’t stop the belief no matter how hard it is in some moments”.
Croatia looked beaten in the late stages but never gave in and their counter attacks were too much for Brazil. Lovren credits keeper Livakovic for the win: “He is one of the best keepers for penalties and this tournament also”. His save from Rodrygo’s penalty applied pressure that Marqinhos could not handle and he hit the post for the last penalty of the game.
Croatia will face Argentina on Tuesday in the semi final and Lovren states: “We’re ready for everyone now because we believe in everyone and I have confidence in this team”, ahead of the clash at 7pm in the Lusail Stadium.
