Croatia bundle Brazil out of World Cup

Croatia, on Friday, defeated World Cup favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties on Friday to reach the semi-finals following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

The 2018 runners-up came through their second consecutive shootout after beating Japan also on penalties in the last 16 and will now face either the Netherlands or Argentina who play each other later on Friday.

In an evening filled with tension and drama, Brazil superstar Neymar rifled in an extra-time goal for the five-time world champions.

Croatia substitute Bruno Petkovic’s left-footed equaliser three minutes from the end of extra time drew his side level, breaking Brazilian hearts in Doha’s Education City Stadium in Qatar.

Marquinhos and Rodrygo then both missed their spot-kicks in the shootout, while Croatia scored all four of theirs to defy belief and ensure progression to the last four of the tournament.

Croatia have won three out of three when it comes to penalty shootouts at World Cups, including one on Monday.

Brazil have won three out of four – their only loss came back in 1986 to France.

The Star