World No.1 Team Brazil are eliminated from the World Cup on penalties, but Croatia maintains composure to go to the semifinals.
Croatia supporters departed Education City Stadium thrilled and shocked by the "nail-biting" encounter after Croatia overcame Brazil on penalties and advanced to the semifinals.
After Neymar scored in the opening round of extra time, throwing the Brazilians into celebration, Brazil appeared poised to win the emotionally packed match. Bruno Petkovic, a striker for Croatia, who were the losing finalists in Russia 2018, scored in the last seconds of regulation to force penalties, which Croatia won 4-2.In a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory at the Education City Stadium, Croatia stunned five-time world champions Brazil by coming from behind in extra time. The tournament favourites were eliminated as the match concluded in a 1-1 tie, securing a spot for the Croats in the World Cup semifinals.
Taking the game so late into the penalty shootout already put Brazil in peril as their momentum was ebbing. You may call it a mistake on Brazil coach Tite's part to send 21-year-old Rodrygo to take the first penalty against Croatia's star of the night, Dominik Livakovic, who made nine saves. The goaltender, who successfully moved to his left to block a poorly placed penalty, couldn't sell a dummy to the youthful forward.Due to Livakovic's dominance in front of goal that evening, the woodwork also went in his favour. Livakovic watched Marquinhos send him the wrong way but still hit the right post after giving up two strikes. The defender watched in shock as the ball was deflected away.
The defeat, however, astonished the Brazil faithful. As others attempted to comfort them and one other, some of them, including women and children, began to cry.
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Argentina prevails 4-3 on penalties after the Netherlands had rallied from two goals down to draw the game during regulation.
Argentina, after World Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands ended at 2-2 after extra time, defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties to go to the semifinal against Croatia and Lionel Messi kept their World Cup dream alive .Argentina will now face the last edition's runners-up Croatia,who knocked out Brazil out of the tournament with penalty shootout win.The Netherlands had a strong start to the match and outpossessed Argentina 57 to 43. They only took one shot, which they failed to connect with, and were ineffectual in the last third. La Albiceleste utilised the ball better as five of their shots on goal resulted in three goals.Lionel Messi produced a piece of brilliance as he created space through the Netherlands' defense and played Nahuel Molina through. He took a touch before putting the ball past Andries Noppert. Four yellow cards were shown in a competitive first half, with Wout Weghorst being booked on the bench. Argentina led 1-0 at the break.
In the game on Friday, which saw a total of 17 yellow cards issued, Argentina appeared to be winning until the Netherlands tied the score in the tenth minute of stoppage time.
In the shootout, the Netherlands missed their first two penalties while Argentina was perfect up until they missed their fourth. Argentina's final penalty kick was converted by Lautaro Martinez, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.The Netherlands' first shot on goal was made by Wout Weghorst in the 83rd minute, five minutes after entering the field. Memphis Depay sent the ball into the side netting two minutes later.
At the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday, Argentina will face Croatia, which shockingly eliminated five-time world champions Brazil, also on penalties.
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