Brazil faced off against Croatia at the Education City Stadium earlier today as they looked to earn a positive result in the quarterfinal stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Brazilians made a bright start to the game but were held to a scoreless draw at the half-time break.
Both times canceled each other out in the second half as the contest finished scoreless after the full-time whistle.
Neymar Jr. finally managed to open the goal-scoring towards the latter stages of the first half of extra-time when he scored with a wonderful run and finish. However, Croatia equalised in the 116th minute when Bruno Petkovic scored a dramatic equaliser. The match finished 1-1 after extra time.
Brazil ended up getting knocked out of the World Cup after losing 4-2 on penalties.
Let’s take a look at how each Brazil player fared during the match against Croatia.
GK: Alisson Becker – 5.5/10
The Liverpool keeper did enough to secure a clean sheet in normal time. However, he couldn’t do much about Petkovic’s equaliser and failed to save a penalty in the shootout.
RB: Eder Militao – 7.5/10
The Brazilian defensive ace earned the ball back twice and was accurate with his passing.
CB: Marquinhos – 5.5/10
Marquinhos made one important interception at the back and was accurate with his passing. However, he missed Brazil’s fourth penalty in the shootout.
CB: Thiago Silva – 7/10
The Brazilian talent secured the ball back twice and made a couple of decent chances in the final third.
LB: Danilo – 7/10
He did his fair share of defending but offered very little going forward.
CM: Lucas Paqueta – 7.5/10
Paqueta anchored the midfield well but struggled to be decisive in the final third.
CM: Casemiro – 7.5/10
The Brazilian sensation offered his backline decent protection for most of the game and was lively in the Croatia half as well.
RW: Raphinha – 6/10
He struggled to threaten the Croatia goal and was replaced in the 55th minute.
CAM: Neymar Jr. – 8/10
Neymar was quiet for most of normal time. However, he erupted with a brilliant goal in extra time. However, it was not enough for his team to win in the end.
LW: Vinicius Jr. – 6/10
He struggled to give a good account of himself and was substituted after the hour mark.
ST: Richarlison – 6.5/10
Richarlison created some decent openings for others around him but failed to find the back of the net.
Substitutes:
RW: Antony – 6.5/10
Antony had some bright moments in the game but never looked like he would score.
LW: Rodrygo – 5.5/10
He missed a penalty in the shootout.
ST: Pedro – 6.5/10
Pedro was a threat up top.
CM: Fred – 6/10
He added some energy to Tite’s midfield.
LB: Alex Sandro – 6/10
Sandro struggled to influence the game.
