Croatia scored an equalizer in the dying minutes of the game to produce one of the shocking World Cup scores of the weekend action. Thanks to a moment of brilliance from forward Neymar, who inscribed himself into Brazilian mythology by tying one of the country’s all-time greats Pele on 77 international goals, Brazil appeared to be struggling to an extra-time victory over their tenacious opponent. Before falling victim to Neymar’s brilliance in the first half of extra time, Croatia probed, pragmatically, throughout while restraining and choking Brazil’s normal rhythm. It was very almost checkmated. A vicious Marquinhos deflection that caught Alisson off guard allowed Bruno Petkovic to grasp onto Mislav Orsic’s cross, adding a surprising twist to the otherwise charming story.
With the score poised at 0-0 late in the second half, Brazil’s head coach Tite warily paced the touchline while sporting a worried expression. He had every right to be concerned. Brazil was considered to be the clear favorite going into this match, just as it was going into the competition. Few would have anticipated the drama that would ensue, despite Croatia playing the game in its customary stubborn and mulish fashion during the game’s easygoing opening. The odds against the five-time world champions had been becoming shorter as the competition went on, but all of a sudden, they were out. They had now lost four of their previous five World Cup quarterfinals.
Modric didn’t launch a rare Croatian attack until the 117th minute when he found Orsic moving and fed Petkovic. The substitute had Marquinhos covered, but he made an unintentional mistake that allowed him to score despite being unmarked. Since 1966, Croatia is the first team to have ever scored on their first shot on goal during overtime. Dominik Livakovic saved Rodrygo’s penalty kick and Marquinhos hit the post in the shootout, giving Croatia the victory. Neymar and company were left in tears, while Croatia was still hoping to win their first global championship.
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