Croatia defeated star-studded Brazil 4-2 on penalties to advance to the World Cup semifinals after their quarterfinal match ended 1-1.
With a brilliant goal to break the tie in stoppage time of the first half of extra time, Neymar appeared to have put the Selecao on the road to the round of four. However, in the second period of extra time, Bruno Petkovic drew Croatia even with a deflected shot.
Then, Dominik Livakovic worked his magic once more to stop Rodrygo Silva from scoring from the penalty spot, and Zlatko Dalic’s team was perfect in increasing the pressure on Marquinhos to score. With a pivotal kick, the defender hit the post, sending Croatia through and Brazil home once more in the quarterfinal.
The winner of Tuesday’s semifinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands will now play Croatia. The four-year World Cup drought for Brazil continues.