Brazil have been eliminated from the World Cup on Friday after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Croatia.
Although Neymar scored his 77th goal for Brazil, tying the legendary Pele for the nation’s all-time men’s goal record, it was insufficient.
A dominant performance from Croatia’s midfield trio of Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, and Luka Modric, as well as some inspired play from goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, frustrated Tite’s team for much of the game. The cagey match was sent to extra time when the score remained tied after regulation time.
When Neymar, who had been quiet up until that point, went past Livakovic and fired powerfully into the roof of the net, he felt he had won it in extra time. However, with only four minutes remaining, Bruno Petkovic tied the game at 1-1 with a deflected shot from the edge of the box.
Brazil struggled in the shootout after Rodrygo missed their first penalty and Marquinhos missed their fourth, while Croatia won with a memorable victory after converting all of their attempts.
Croatia will now play either Argentina or Netherlands in the semifinals on Tuesday. Argentina and Netherlands will play later on Friday.