To be a six-time champion, it was necessary not to be eliminated for the sixth time in the quarter-finals. And the 2022 National Team could not break this taboo. Brazil was eliminated from the Qatar Cup by Croatia on penalties after a 1-1 draw during extra time.
In the first half, the National Team wasted a lot of time studying the opponent. So much so that, only at 20 minutes, in an individual play by Neymar, Brazil troubled the Croatian defense. The shot, however, was weak and straight at the goal. The slowness characterized the first 45 minutes, and the good marking in the midfield made it difficult for the National Team to infiltrate. To make matters worse, the Croatians were quick on the counterattack.
In five games in this Cup, it was the fourth time the score remained 0-0 during the first 45 minutes.
Brazil returned better in the second half. At least, they had more ball possession and shot more on goal. But Brazil was not inspired. The substitutions improved the team, although not as Tite had imagined. In other words, everything facilitated the Croatian marking, especially the absence of shots from outside the area by the National Team. On the other hand, with no rush on the field, it was evident that the Europeans were pushing the match into extra time and possibly penalties.
The goal of Croatia was achieved. Another half hour of play and the match continued with the Brazilian attack hitting the Croatian wall. Until, at 15 minutes into the first half of extra time, Neymar made a one-two with Paquetá, received the ball in front, dribbled Livakovic, and shot high. It was Brazil’s goal! 1-0!
In the second half of extra time, Croatia took possession of the ball. After all, their players needed to attack for the first time in the entire game. And it was not difficult for the vice-champions to equalize the match. In just 11 minutes they reached the goal: a low cross from the left, Petkovic shot, the ball deflected off Marquinhos and took away Alisson’s chances of saving: 1-1. The penalties they so desired came.
Tite even made a mistake in the order of the penalties. Neymar, the best kicker, was placed to take only the fifth shot and ended up not being used… Vlasic, Majer, Modric, and Orsic scored four goals. Brazil wasted the very first kick, with Rodrygo shooting into Livakovic’s hands. Casemiro and Pedro still scored their goals. Marquinhos kicked very poorly, hitting the post.
Croatia managed to do what they have always done: eliminate another team on penalties. In 2018, they beat Denmark and Russia this way. In 2022, they left Japan and Brazil behind. The hex did not come, but the sixth elimination in the quarter-finals was completed, just like in 1954, 1986, 2006, 2010, and 2018.
Source: Agência Brasil