Croatia vs Brazil 4-2 on penalties – as it happened

Next up is Netherlands vs Argentina, which has all the hallmarks of a classic World Cup knockout match. We’re finishing up our coverage on this Brazil defeat now, with kudos again going to Croatia for surprising everyone.

Goodbye for now.

Another shock in World Cup of surprises, but not quite the size of some of the ones that have come previously.

Here’s our match report of a seismic 120 minutes plus penalties:

Recap: Croatia vs Brazil – World Cup 2022

Roger Oliviera and his partner Maira said if Brazil had won today, the would have stayed for the semi-final.

“I am heartbroken,” 49-year-old Oliveira said.

“This year was supposed to be our trophy … I could just feel it. It’s very disappointing.”

“I thought Neymar had won it for us, but that’s football. We love our team, but I’m glad I have four years to recover from this,” the Brasilia resident told Al Jazeera.

David Smolgol from Klichesela near Zagreb says it was a “nail-biting” match.

“I was on the edge of my seat the whole time … this is amazing feeling – to win when you were sure you were going to lose,” the 21-year-old told Al Jazeera.

A group of Croatian men sang, “Bring back Brazil, so we can play with it” while the Brazilians headed towards gates, dejected – some in tears as their friends and loved ones tried to console them.

Josko Gvardiol's game by numbers vs Brazil:

92.54% passing accuracy
84 touches
7 clearances
5 ball recoveries
5 final third entries
2 duels won
1 tackle
1 interception

Scarily good. Again. 🥶#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/CN1nmIUcco

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 9, 2022

At the fan zone in Doha, Argentina fans all cheered for Croatia’s victory. They jump with every goal Croatia scored in the penalty shootout and booed every Brazilian player. They all see Croatia as an easier semi-final match and are happy to see their rival, Brazil, flying home.

Manager Zlatko Dalić won’t fear either after dumping Brazil out of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. They can watch the next game with their feet up, and ice packs on, happy in the knowledge they’re into the semi-finals.

#Croatia runs to fight for another #FIFAWorldCup medal! 🏃‍♂️

#CROBRA #Qatar2022 #Family #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/K02GiKrbRi

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) December 9, 2022

Ivona Babic, 33, says what just happened was “unbelievable”.

‘I was so sure we were going to lose after Neymar’s goal … I had given up all hope … but now we are going to the semi-finals!,” the Zagreb resident said.

“My heart needs a moment to calm down,” the 28-year-old told Al Jazeera.

It’s becoming a familiar sight at World Cup defeats. The Brazilian forward is once again emotional after a bitter loss. He didn’t even get to take a penalty because the players before him missed theirs.

🔎 | FOCUS

Dominik Livaković v Brazil:

🧤 11 saves
📥 7 saved shots from inside the box
👐 1 penalty shootout saved
👌 51 touches
👟 26/32 accurate passes
📈 9.0 Sofascore rating

Croatia's hero and our Player of the Match! 🇭🇷🌟#CROBRA #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rP0m2s9SCD

— Sofascore (@SofascoreINT) December 9, 2022

Tite’s men had 11 shots on target in extra time to Croatia’s one, but that was all the Europeans needed to take this game to penalties.

Croatia have knocked tournament favourites Brazil out of the World Cup. For the South Americans, it is quarter-final elimination for the fourth time in the past five World Cups.

Livakovic, who was in goal for Croatia, was once again brilliant. He will likely be a contender for the best goalkeeper of the World Cup award.

That’s four World Cup wins in penalty shootouts for the Croatians, who are peerless from 12 yards (11 metres). Gut-wrenching for Brazil and they will rue not seeing this game out after taking the lead in extra time.

Marquinhos hits the post, and Brazil are out of the World Cup.

Penalties: Croatia 4-2 Brazil

Orsic scores for Croatia.

Penalties: Croatia 4-2 Brazil

Pedro scores for Brazil.

Penalties: Croatia 3-2 Brazil

Modric scores for Croatia.

Penalties: Croatia 3-1 Brazil

Casemiro scores for Brazil.

Penalties: Croatia 2-1 Brazil

Majer scores for Croatia.

Penalties: Croatia 2-0 Brazil

Rodrygo’s shot is saved by Livakovic.

Penalties: Croatia 1-0 Brazil 

Nikola Vlasic scores for Croatia.

Penalties: Croatia 1-0 Brazil

Brazil and Croatia fans will be on the edge of their seats, but this has been a great game for the neutrals as well.

No team came out ahead in 120 minutes, so we’re going to penalties. Whoever can hold their nerve now will win this one.

Croatia 1-1 Brazil

Surely not enough time for another one?

120 mins ET: Croatia 1-1 Brazil 

That’s one for the record books. He won’t mind too much.

119 mins ET: Croatia 1-1 Brazil

They looked dead and buried, but Croatia’s grit brings them back. They scored with their first shot on target to equalise. It’s game on.

The never say die attitude of Croatia. They equalise, ❤️ #CroatiaVsBrazil #FIFAWorldCup

— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) December 9, 2022

Petkovic brings his side level. Croatia break, and Orsic plays a simple ball across the box for the striker to finish.

That came from nowhere.

116 mins ET: Croatia 1-1 Brazil 

Brozovic makes way.

114 mins ET: Croatia 0-1 Brazil

The centre back is making the cross from deep in the pitch his speciality, but Thiago Silva wins a free kick as the ball is slung in.

112 mins ET: Croatia 0-1 Brazil

Sosa makes way for the striker.

110 mins ET: Croatia 0-1 Brazil

Croatia hadn’t been playing badly before that wonder strike from Neymar, but that’s the beauty of having players of individual talent in the way that Brazil have.

109 mins ET: Croatia 0-1 Brazil

The Brazilians are on their feet and there is a huge sense of relief on their faces.

The noise is deafening in the stadium now, the loudest it has been all night.

The Croatian fans, meanwhile, have been stunned into silence. However, despite the bench running towards Neymar to celebrate, there was no dancing like was seen in the South Korea game, which was panned by some pundits.

Croatia get this second period of 15 minutes going. They’ve brought on Majer for Kovacic.

Militao and Paqueta are off for Brazil, with Alex Sandro and Fred on in their place.

106 mins ET: Croatia 0-1 Brazil

Brazil finally found a way through in what surely must be one of the greatest goals of the tournament. What a moment from Neymar, who hadn’t played well until he put his side in front.

ET HT: Croatia 0-1 Brazil 

Neymar with a wonder goal for Brazil! He really made us wait but that was a stupendous strike.

He plays a one-two with Paqueta on the edge of the box before rounding the keeper and putting it into the rough of the net. He now has the same amount of Brazil goals as Pele.

105 mins ET: Croatia 0-1 Brazil 

Petkovic did so well to hold the ball up and play the midfielder on in so much space. But he gets the shot all wrong.

104 mins ET: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The forward slips as he was lining up the cross, with the resulting shot looping into Livakovic’s gloves.

102 mins ET: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

They’ve finally got that intricate passing game going, and are playing some nice stuff around the Croatian box. Yet to find that killer ball, as it stands.

99 mins ET: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The Croatian full back isn’t letting the Brazilian Man United forward past after he knocks the ball down the line. Taking a physical approach to dealing with his trickery.

96 mins ET: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Brazil fan Santos, 24, says it’s “anyone’s game”.

“When it goes to extra time … you cannot predict … it’s anyone’s game,” the UK resident originally from Rio De Janeiro told Al Jazeera.

“I’m sweating. It’s so nerve-racking.”

I hope God is on Brazil’s side today,” he added.

It looks like the Brazilian hurt his knee as he fell after a push, but seems OK to continue.

93 mins ET: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Brazil get us under way once more, playing right to left in this 15-minute half. No changes from either team.

91 mins, into ET: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Croatia are struggling to create much up front, but their determination has allowed them to stick in the game and not concede. The next 30 minutes will be very testing for Luka Modric and company, especially as their lack of pace has been very visible.

Croatia's lack of pace up front has killed them with the game very much there for the taking, but I fear for them in extra time. Played a tough 120 on Monday, while Brazil coasted, and rested everyone in final group match. These 30 minutes will be a massive test.

— Alex Moretto (@alexjmoretto) December 9, 2022

That was a lively second half, but everything Brazil threw at Livakovic in goal, he was up to it. Croatia played their part as well and have given Brazil a serious game in this quarter-final.

Are we going all the way to penalties now? Brazil will hope not as Croatia haven’t lost a shootout in the World Cup with three victories to their name.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

He lofts a ball over the Croatian defence but it’s too close to Lovren who sticks out a boot to clear. Four minutes added on.

90+1 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The atmosphere in the Education City Stadium is ramping up as we approach the 90-minute mark. Will it make a difference?

89 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

He spins around with the ball in his own six yard box, and pops it back to Alisson. The keeper isn’t quite as chilled and kicks the ball out for a throw-in.

86 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

He’s quite far out and can only head over to the bar as he stoops down. Gvardiol not giving him an inch of space to operate in.

Pedro comes on for Brazil, with Richarlison making way.

84 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The attendance for today’s game is 43,893.

Gaps are opening in the Croatian defence and the European side are unable to orchestrate attacks. The 2018 World Cup runners-up are only still holding on because Livakovic keeps saving them.

But once again, it’s straight at that man, Livakovic. He’s saved everything, but most of them have been in the middle of his goal.

82 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Croatia seem happy enough for this one to go to extra time, but Brazil have other ideas. They clearly want to see this one off in 90 minutes and are throwing bodies forward.

80 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Croatia have won the penalty shootouts that took place in three out of their last five World Cup games. With Livakovic in top form, they will be confident should today’s game come down to spot kicks.

Brazil about to start going all out soon because NO team wants to go to penalties with Croatia 😂

— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) December 9, 2022

Richarlison plays the forward through down the left, but Livakovic is out quick once again to smother the shot.

Marquinhos picks up a booking for taking down Modric on the break.

77 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Brazilian entrepreneur Diogo Rocha says people making a “fuss” about Brazilian goal celebrations are simply “jealous”.

“When your team is down, some people get bitter and frustrated when their opponents happy,” the 52-year-old told Al Jazeera.

“It’s not meant to be malicious … if you’re using slurs and swearing, I understand. That’s wrong. But just dancing … I think it’s just silly to make fiasco about it,” the US resident, originally from Sao Paolo, said.

Bruno Petkovic and Nikola Vlasic are on, with Andrej Kramaric and Pasalic brought off.

73 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Croatia goalkeeper Livakovic has been in sterling form for his country today. He is the reason that his side have not conceded, as he has dealt with Brazil’s efforts on target.

Dominik Livakovic with that SAVE!!!

Croatia 0-0 Brazil#CitiSports #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/FA5jwbHVPK

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) December 9, 2022

It’s very soft from the referee, but Casemiro picks up a yellow card for a bit of a push on Kramaric. He doesn’t look pleased with that particular call.

69 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

The Croatian midfielder is walking a serious tightrope, with a couple of infringements since he picked up a yellow card. Only a free kick this time, however.

Moments after Paqueta shoots straight at an on-rushing Livakovic in Croatia’s goal.

67 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Vinicius Jr comes off after an oddly quiet game.

65 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Brazil have had four shots on target to Croatia’s zero thus far. That needs to change for Zlatko Dalić’s team, unless they fancy progressing through a penalty shootout once again.

63 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

He’s claiming his chipped ball from the edge of the box is handled, but the referee sees it differently. This game is definitely opening up now.

60 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The Tottenham player gets to the byline and puts an inviting ball into the box, but his teammates can’t get on the end of it. Brazil are getting closer, it must be said.

58 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Brazil have definitely started the second half looking the more intent on scoring. They have forced Livakovic into a few saves but just cannot breach the Croatian goal line.

The Brazil forward is played through by Richarlison but he shoots straight at Livakovic, who’s having another good game.

Antony is on for Raphinha for Brazil.

56 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

He wants a foul but the challenge on him is deemed acceptable by referee Michael Oliver. Neymar has had a quiet game so far, and that Pele record of 77 goals looks very far away right now.

54 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

A VAR check rules a possible handball by Juranovic is not a penalty. Brazil have started this half much the more dangerous side.

50 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

It’s from his own defender Gvardiol, who diverts the ball toward his own goal, but Livakovic sticks out a leg to stop it going over the line.

48 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Brazil get us going for the second half, playing left to right in this half. No changes from either side.

46 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Brazil would have hoped to draw first blood in the first half, but that was not the case as the Croatia defence held firm against their attack.

Juranovic, Pasalic and Lovren all working diligently to shut down Neymar and Vinicius. #HRV’s defence having another blinder 🆚 #BRA. pic.twitter.com/WwiECAO2e5

— Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) December 9, 2022

Croatia won’t mind that half, given both sides’ divergent form coming into this game. They’ve used their experience well in the middle of the park, and Tite could do with getting another midfielder on in the second half.

There have been few clear chances for either team, which will probably suit the Croatians.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Sao Paolo resident Gustav Almaeida says Brazil’s on-pitch goal celebrations are not in any way meant to offend people.

“It’s our culture to celebrate with as much fun and joy,” the 48-year-old told Al Jazeera at the quarter-final with Croatia. “… Anyone who’s been to Brazil will say that.”

‘What I find puzzling is that when Senegal or Cameroon dance, no one says anything, … but all of a sudden, there is problem with Brazil,” he said.

“If people don’t want to see all of that, then the opposing players should make sure Brazil doesn’t score.”

Can anyone find a breakthrough?

45 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

He’s already on a booking and Brazil think it should be more, but Michael Oliver just awards a free kick for the late challenge on Vinicius Jr.

Neymar’s free kick takes a deflection off the wall but on redirects towards Livakovic in goal.

43 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The defensive midfielder has the Brazilian twisting, but seems unsure what to do being so far forward on the pitch. He takes a heavy touch and loses the ball, but good to see the adventure from Brozovic.

40 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

They get it launched towards Richarlison but he can’t hold onto the ball, and Croatia clear their lines. It’s a sign of how this half has progressed that Brazil are trying to mix things up.

37 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Croatia will be the happier side so far. Neither side is dominating.

Brazil aren’t looking too threatening and Croatia are starting to hold on to the ball for sustained periods. The longer it stays at nil-nil, you feel Vatreni will be the happier side in this game.

35 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The Croatian midfielder turns his attention to Neymar now, and picks up a yellow card for tripping the PSG forward. Brazil try to take it quick, but Michael Oliver blows his whistle to take it back.

32 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Mateo Kovacic isn’t happy with the referee, but it’s an obvious foul on Raphinha. Brazil launch the ball into the box from some distance but are finding it difficult to create clear-cut chances.

30 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

The singing from the Brazilian supporters has been non-stop since the game began and only gets louder when their team comes close to scoring. Also, there are deafening jeers every time a Brazil player is fouled.

His leg is at head height, but the defender wins the ball in the challenge with Juranovic. Croatia aren’t happy but it’s just a yellow card.

Modric puts the ball in the mixer from the subsequent free kick, but it only finds a Brazilian head.

27 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Tite’s team have had around 60 percent of the ball so far, with Croatia looking to attack through transitions. Casemiro has a shot blocked for a corner, but Raphinha’s ball in is headed to safety.

25 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

Livakovic’s saves have been straightforward so far. Brazil will have to do better to beat the world-class Croatian shot-stopper.

Vinicius Jr plays a one-two with Richarlison at the edge of the Croatian box, but sees his shot blocked by Gvardiol. Brazil looking more like the team that dispatched South Korea with ease.

22 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Brazil are seeking a way through a deep defence but finding every avenue they turn blocked. Zlatko Dalić’s team are looking dangerous on the counter, and getting at the Brazilian back four rather easily.

20 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

You don’t see Casemiro give the ball away cheaply often, but he just had his pocket picked by Modric after Alisson had rolled him the ball. Brazil need to liven up or they’ll find themselves a goal behind.

17 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

A whipped ball into the box from Pasalic misses both Kramaric and Perisic, but was almost a great chance for the men in red and white. All came from a driving Josip Juranovic run on the right.

15 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

He gets his touch just slightly wrong after finding himself nearly behind the Croatian defence. Looking lively, as are most of that frightening Brazil front four.

12 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

The Croat forward went up for a headed chance, but arrived a bit too late and forcefully for the referee’s liking. Could be a good duel today as both are up for a battle in the air.

9 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Croatia have shown already that they are capable of attacking as Sosa ventured forward although they did not test Alisson.

The Brazilian winger finds acres of space on the left-hand side, but his curling shot goes straight into the welcome arms of Livakovic. Croatia will need to get closer to him or it could spell danger.

6 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Brazil have started looking brighter. Flair will be key for the five-time champions tonight while set pieces could be vital for 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia.

The Chelsea midfielder wins the ball back in the middle of the park and drives forward. Brazil eventually take him down, but nothing comes from the resulting set piece.

3 mins: Croatia 0-0 Brazil 

Croatia get us under way wearing their red-and-white kit, playing left to right on your screens. Brazil are wearing their usual yellow-and-blue kit.

Let’s go.

2002 – Since beating Germany 2-0 in the final in 2002, Brazil have been eliminated in each of the last four World Cups by European nations, including three quarter-final ties in that run (France in 2006, Netherlands in 2010 and Belgium in 2018). Caution. pic.twitter.com/1Wzsr7vZjK

— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) December 9, 2022

Croatia do not have as much quality on the pitch as Brazil but can still possibly match their opponents through their grit and determination. Croatia have been solid rather than spectacular so far in this tournament. Maybe they can hope for an extra boost from their fans.

The game will soon get under way. Both teams are getting their final preparations sorted. It promises to be 90 minutes of very competitive action between two of the world’s best teams.

Brazil are undefeated against Croatia in their four previous games. Who do you think win in the first #FIFAWorldCup quarter-finals game?

Make your match predictions below 👇#Qatar2022 | #CROBRA

— AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) December 9, 2022

Croatia will be hoping their experienced midfield can boss this encounter. But if it’s a tight game, the strength in the depth of the Brazil bench may make the difference.

Tite can call on the likes of Antony, Rodrygo and Martinelli if the Seleção need a goal in the latter stages of this game.

Brazil haven’t lost to Croatia in four previous meetings, winning three of those games and drawing once.

In their two World Cup fixtures to date, Brazil came out on top in both, winning 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 in 2014.

Several Brazilian fan clusters with drums and tambourines are giving people a flavour of samba music as dozens of people surround them, desperate to capture a selfie.

Some Croatians are also doing their best to build hype, with their own set of drums, whistles and vuvuzelas for the Kockasti players, but simply can’t match the number of Brazil die-hards here to watch this knockout game.

Chegamos! Bora, Brasil!!! pic.twitter.com/vdmkQ6bNzh

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) December 9, 2022

Croatia have won all three of their World Cup penalty shootouts to date, with their spot kicks victory over Japan on Monday adding to defeats of both Denmark and Russia via this method. Tite will be hoping his team can get the job done before it comes to that.

Marko Bljaic, a fan who’s travelled to Qatar from Zagreb, fears a “tough game” against Brazil.

“I’m not very confident that we will beat them convincingly,” the father who brought his two children with him to the World Cup told Al Jazeera. “… They are one of the best in the world, … but I have to believe in my team.”

“Im just praying for a 2-1 win.”

Asked about Brazil’s on-pitch celebrations, the 41-year old said: “I understand it. It’s the Brazilian spirit to do that, … but I personally would not.”

The PSG forward could surpass Pele’s scoring record if he bags two goals today. Neymar currently has scored 76 goals for Brazil and Pele has 77 to his name, according to FIFA’s tally.

Neymar has required a lot more matches to get close to this total, however. The 30-year-old has played 123 games for the national team to Pele’s 92.

Brazil and Croatia fans are chanting outside Education City Stadium ahead of their quarter-final clash.

Croatia XI: Dominik Livakovic, Josip Juranovic, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Pasalic, Mario Perisic, Andrej Kramaric.

Sosa returns to the side after missing the Japan game with an illness, and Pasalic also returns to the starting team.

Brazil XI: Alisson, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro, Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison.

Tite going for the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, and who can blame him?

Luka Modric plays with Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid. The Croatia skipper knows that his side will face a difficult task today to contain the 22-year-old.

The 37-year-old has given his teammates some valuable tips to stop Vinicius.

“We have a difficult task to stop him but I will give some advice to my teammates,” Modric said.

“If I can help them to give tips here or there to make his job more difficult, I will do that. I will give them advice. We are here fighting for our countries and that’s it.”

‘One team, one dream’

Al Jazeera’s Seena Khalil has been searching Doha for the fans with the best World Cup chants, and Brazil has one that simply tells it like it is.

How do other countries compete with that?

Neymar’s doppelganger

We’ve just had two days without matches, and some fans hoped to spot players out and about in Doha. But if you’ve been thinking you scored a selfie with Neymar, you might want to take a closer look.

Global fans

What is it about Brazil that attracts a fanbase from all over the world?

Brazilian Carlos Araojo says he “feels it in his heart” that his national team will make it to the final and win this year’s World Cup.

“I feel the team is more together right now, … [and] there is better communication,” the 68-year-old Rio de Janeiro resident told Al Jazeera at Education City Stadium in Qatar, predicting that Brazil will win 2-0 against the Croatians.

Asked about the controversy over the Brazilian celebrations on the pitch in the round of 16 game against South Korea, he shrugged it off.

“We are just happy … and enjoying ourselves. … In Brazil, music and samba is our culture. We like to party.”

Brazil has attracted criticism from former player and manager Roy Keane for dancing after scoring in their 4-1 win over South Korea. Keane has called the celebrations “disrespectful”.

The team’s coach, Tite, said they reflect Brazilian culture.

“I will not make comments to those who do not know Brazilian history and Brazilian culture the way each and every one of us is,” Tite said. “I leave that noise aside.”

“It is not being disrespectful,” he said. “That is [us] and how we do things. … We will continue doing things in our manner.”

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic predicts this game will be the toughest one yet in the tournament for his side. Considering Brazil are the most successful World Cup team in history with five trophies to their name, the Croatian coach may well be right.

“I believe that this match will be the most demanding one,” Dalic said.

“A great opponent and a great challenge for us. We have had 11 matches at these two World Cups, and we lost one. I wish this match came a bit later. I wish it waited for us later [in the tournament], but life is such.”

Located in Doha’s Education City, the more than 44,000-capacity stadium has a geometric design that reflects the sun during the day and displays a light show at night.

You can find more here:

Recently, FIFA sanctioned the squad for abuse that its supporters levelled at Canada’s goalkeeper during the two countries’ group-stage match in November.

During the fixture at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Croatian supporters were reported to have shouted insults at Canada’s Milan Borjan, an ethnic Serb who was born in Croatia but fled the country as a child.

Croatia fans held up this flag aimed at Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

"Knin 95 – Nothing runs like Borjan."

Knin is Borjan's hometown and the flag refers to the victory in the war over Serb separatists which saw Borjan and most Serbs from Croatia driven from their homes. pic.twitter.com/sH9JW9pOPD

— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) November 27, 2022

Eight teams have booked their place in the quarter-finals after a thrilling round of 16 in Qatar. Apart from Brazil and Croatia, they are Argentina, the Netherlands, France, Morocco, England and Portugal.

Our AI predictor Kashef is at it again.

It has been 20 years since Brazil won the World Cup. But have they restored their mojo?

Fans back home are hoping the team can bring back the title for a sixth time.

Read more about Brazil fans’ high expectations here.

The winner of the Brazil-Croatia quarter-final will play the team that comes out on top in the game between Argentina and the Netherlands, also on Friday.

Twinkle-toed Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has hit back at criticism of his team’s celebratory dance routines following goals, saying he and his teammates would “continue to express our joy”.

“[Scoring] goals is the most important thing in football,” said the Real Madrid star. “[The dancing] shows – not just that we are happy – but the whole country is happy for us now at the World Cup.”

Former Manchester United player Roy Keane had criticised Brazil’s post-goal celebrations in the round of 16 match against South Korea, calling them disrespectful to the opposition. But the Brazilians have maintained that they never intended to disrespect the South Koreans.

Brazil’s flamboyant footballing style has always brought the carnival to the pitch; the side is known for the showboating tricks and flicks that make the team a delight to watch for millions around the globe. And the World Cup has a long tradition of dance moves after goals, from Cameroon’s Roger Milla in 1990 to Brazil’s Bebeto in 1994.

Brazil are undefeated against Croatia in their four previous games.

If Croatia break that pattern on Friday, they will enter their third World Cup semi-final. After finishing third in 1998, they were runners-up in 2018. A win over Brazil would allow them to dream of going all the way this time.

But they’re up against the most successful nation in the sport’s history. If Brazil win, they will enter the semi-finals for the ninth time. And if the five-time champions needed any incentive to strive for a sixth world title, the hospitalisation of Pele has served to bind their country, its fans and players in a single prayer to win the World Cup for the legend.

Modric will once again be critical to Croatia’s hopes of success.

The 37-year-old playmaker still pulls the strings for his team, captaining the side and engineering its attacking play from central midfield.

His creativity threatens to pose problems for even the best-organised teams, and will be pivotal for a side better renowned for its midfield and defensive resources than its forward talent.

His influence at the 2018 World Cup was enormous. He scored two goals and had one assist in a flurry of high-class performances that saw him recognised as the tournament’s best player with the Golden Ball award.

Neymar returned from a group-stage injury to put in an impressive performance against South Korea and looks set to play on Friday.

Richarlison, Brazil’s top scorer in the tournament so far, enjoyed another fine game against South Korea, netting his third goal in as many games.

Even as Brazil look to overwhelm a disciplined Croatian backline with attacking flair, they can also rely on Liverpool’s Alisson in goal and Chelsea’s Thiago Silva at the centre of defence to keep Modric and Croatia’s other threats at bay.

Croatia players have huge respect for their captain, Luka Modric.

“I think everyone in the world knows the value of Luka Modric. He’s our leader, our best player, and we’re proud to have him on the field,” said midfielder Mateo Kovačić.

“We are accustomed to very tough physical games in the Premier League and that’s something that we want to show against Brazil,” the Chelsea player added.

“We want to show our technical quality, too, but we want to show our physical quality in every duel and in possession.”

Croatia have proven a difficult team to beat and frustrated many opponents with their knack for dragging out every knockout game to the very end. And as World Cup finalists in 2018, they know how to play and perform in high-pressure matches.

The Croats famously played out three rounds of extra time in the knockout stages on their way to that World Cup final in Russia. This year, they overcame Japan on penalties in the round of 16.

Since they won their fifth title in 2002, Brazil have gone out each time to European opponents, including a 7-1 hammering at the hands of Germany on home soil in 2014 and a defeat to Belgium four years ago in Russia.

“We are dreaming of winning the title, that’s obvious, but we have to go step by step,” Neymar said after the victory over South Korea. “This was the fourth game. There are three to go but we are prepared. Our minds are focused on winning the title.”

Brazil head into Friday’s World Cup quarter-final against Croatia brimming with confidence after Neymar’s return inspired a performance laced with swagger in the last 16 against South Korea.

Croatia will also arrive with confidence.

Their squad has lost just once since last year’s Euros and defeated reigning world champions France in the Nations League in Paris in June.