The Netherlands or Argentina’s next opponent comes from the match between Croatia and Brazil. The five-time world champion played South Korea off the mat (4-1). For the first time, a hint of samba could be seen at the Divine Canaries.
Croatia, losing finalist at the 2018 World Cup (4-2 against France), is having trouble impressing this tournament. Against Japan, penalties had to be used to reach the quarterfinals. The absolute hero on the Croatian side was goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. He stopped three of the Japanese penalties in the penalty series.
This preview tells you all about Croatia – Brazil. In addition, we give you a betting tip with quote and the latest news and team statistics.
Croatia World Cup 2022 – Latest Team News and Statistics.
In the eighth final, Japan took the lead just before halftime (Daizen Maeda) and looked to be in for another stunt. In the second half, however, Croatia got the better of the game which resulted in Ivan Perisic’s equalizer. He cleverly headed in the 1-1. In the closing stages of the match, Croatia was the only team claiming victory, but needed penalties to do so.
Croatia seems a shadow of the team that impressed in Russia four years ago by reaching the final. Architect and star player Luka Modric (Real Madrid) in particular has been widely criticized. A banner could even be seen in the stands reading “Where is Modric?” witnessing his minimal contribution in this World Cup so far.
Even against Japan, Modric was virtually invisible. He was even substituted in the first half of the extension, even though you might expect Modric to be a regular penalty taker. Incidentally, Perisic, Kovacic and Kramaric also went to the side. In the end, things ended well for coach Zlatko Dalic.
Against Brazil the Croats have nothing to lose, perhaps then we will get a glimpse of the Croatia of four years ago.
Brazil World Cup 2022 – Latest Team News and Statistics.
The Selecao, tipped by many as the contender for the world title, showed for the first time against South – Korea why that is. Soccer splashed off the screen in the first half and after 35 minutes the scoreboard was already up 4-0. After that, Brazil clearly slowed down and the final score was set at 4-1 thanks to a beautiful long-distance shot by South Korea.
For Brazil, star player Neymar Jr. was back. He has recovered sufficiently from his ankle injury and played eighty minutes. In the meantime, he was allowed to capitalize on a penalty for the 2-0, his first goal at this World Cup. Neymar Jr. looked fit enough to finish the rest of the tournament. The selection is otherwise fit for the encounter with Croatia after the loss of Gabriel Jesus (knee injury).
Characteristic of the Brazilians was the joy with which they played. Each goal was celebrated with a characteristic dance, which even coach Tite had to participate in. Richarlison was successful again (third goal) and Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Jr. also scored their first goals of the tournament.
Looking ahead in this tournament, Brazil on this side of the schedule seems to have the best papers to reach the final. To do so, they will have to deal with Croatia and then the Netherlands or Argentina.
Croatia – Brazil Previous encounters
To date, Croatia and Brazil have met four times. Three times of them Brazil won and once it was a draw. All official matches Brazil won. The last official game dates back to the 2014 World Cup (Brazil). At that time the Brazilians won 3-1, including two goals by Neymar Jr.
Croatia – Brazil, World Cup 2022: Betting Tip & Odds
If we calculate the odds according to the bookmaker, Brazil has a 72.5% chance of winning in regular playing time. If we calculate the odds of Brazil advancing to the semifinals, it is even 84.7%. This is calculated using our Quote to Chance Calculator. For this encounter, we think Brazil is clearly the biggest contender for victory.
Brazil’s defense this World Cup seems virtually an impregnable fortress. Two goals against in four games, including one from significant distance. Croatia, on the other hand, has very much struggled to find the net (except against weaker Canada, 4-1). Therefore, we think Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker will keep his goal clean. At bookmaker Bet365, you get a odds of 5/6 for this.
- Betting Tip: Brazil keeps the zero
- Odds: 5/6 at bookmaker Bet365
- Risk assessment: Low
- Recommended stake: 7/10