Luka speaks about Croatia’s tricky victory. Following Croatia’s elimination of Brazil from the FIFA World Cup in 2022, captain Luka Modric posted a three-word message on social media. On Friday, December 9, Vatreni stunned the five-time World Cup champions with a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout triumph at the Education City Stadium. When Neymar scored a spectacular goal in the 105th minute, it appeared that Selecao would advance to the semifinals.
Bruno Petkovic, though, stunned Tite’s team in the 117th minute when his left-footed shot bounced past Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Croatia defeated Japan 3-1 in the round of 16 and advanced to the second consecutive penalty shootout. Four Croatian players scored from the penalty spot, with Dominik Livakovi, the goalie for Vatreni, becoming the hero for his team. Modric was one of them. Rodrygo, a teammate of Modric’s from Real Madrid, was denied by the shot-stopper for Dinamo Zagreb before defender Marquinhos hit the post to complete Croatia’s incredible triumph.
In response to the team’s remarkable victory over the tournament favorites, the great Croat wrote on social media, “Never. Give. Up.” Croatia will play the winner of the Netherlands versus Argentina matchup in the FIFA World Cup semifinals. The PSG forward’s World Cup aspirations are over. Following Brazil’s unexpected elimination from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Neymar’s remarks have once again come to light.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has 124 total Selecao international appearances, with 77 goals and 54 assists. He wondered if this was going to be his last World Cup match. He stated: “I believe this is my final World Cup. I consider it to be my last because I’m not sure if I still have the mental fortitude to handle football.” Those comments appear appropriate given how the Selecao were ousted from the competition. One of the favorites, Brazil was playing the renowned Ginga style of football that was similar to the team that won the FIFA World Cup in 2002.
Neymar made three appearances and recorded two goals and an assist.
It will be interesting to watch if he keeps his promise. The Brazilian is already 30 and approaching the end of his professional career. After Brazil’s elimination, he was heartbroken and distraught as Croatia celebrated an unexpected victory. Why Neymar didn’t take the crucial penalty shot, which Marquinhos could only slap into the post, has drawn much debate.
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