Croatia vs Brazil

A place in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals is at stake as Croatia and Brazil go head-to-head at Education City Stadium.

Croatia’s performances in Qatar have been far from dazzling, yet they’ve reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the third time after edging Japan on penalties in the round of 16 (1-1). Indeed, seven of their last eight knockout matches at major international tournaments have gone to extra time, with the ‘Blazers’ winning three such World Cup contests in succession via a penalty shootout. If they’re to replicate their dream run to the World Cup final in Russia four years ago, Zlatko Dalic’s side will have to defy their underwhelming five-game record against South American nations at the World Cup (W1, L4). But considering they’ve never defeated Brazil before (D1, L3), including losses in both World Cup H2Hs, that seems to be an arduous task. Moreover, they’ve conceded first in six of their last eight World Cup outings, barring goalless draws with Morocco and Belgium this winter.

On the other hand, Brazil’s scintillating first-half display against South Korea last time out paved the way for a thumping 4-1 victory, helping them switch to second gear and save energy for this fixture. Widely considered the leading candidates to win the Jules Rimet trophy for the sixth time, the ‘Selecao’ will be out to render their dreadful run of five consecutive World Cup knockout defeats at the hands of European countries. If they do so, Brazil will reach the competition’s semi-finals for the ninth time, though it’s worth noting their last three appearances in the World Cup quarter-finals have yielded defeats to UEFA nations. That said, Tite’s men will take the field on a stunning run of ten wins from their last 11 internationals (L1).