The FIFA World Cup has reached the final eight teams and the first quarter-final at Qatar 2022 has Croatia pitted against Brazil.
These teams are braced for a third meeting at the World Cup finals, and a fifth overall. At the 2014 event, hosts Brazil saw off the Croatians, 3-1, in the opening match of the tournament. They had previously met, eight years earlier, also in the group stage. Reigning world champions at the time, Brazil won, 1-0.
Their most recent exchange was a friendly in the final days leading up to the 2018 World Cup. Once again, the South Americans emerged victorious although it was the Balkan nation that progressed further in Russia.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Croatia are one of four teams yet to lose at Qatar 2022 though this quarter-final tie will, by some margin, be their sternest test yet. With this set to be their fifth encounter, the Croatians have yet to get the better of the five-time World Cup winners.
The 2018 runners-up took one win and two draws in Group F before they overcame Japan, on penalties, in the Round of 16. On their way to reaching the final four years ago, Croatia edged Denmark in the last-16 and host nation Russia in the quarters, both on penalties.
Brazil have not been involved in a penalty shootout at a World Cup since 1998, when they prevailed over the Netherlands to advance to the final. Four years prior, they beat Italy in the final, on penalties.
Last round, Brazil breezed past South Korea with four goals in the first-half and dancing feet aplenty. Tite’s men are looking to continue their route to the semi-finals, where a potential bout with neighbours and rivals Argentina awaits.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Neymar calmly dispatched a penalty against South Korea, making him the third Brazilian player to score at three World Cup tournaments – Pelé and Ronaldo Nazário having done so before him. Neymar is now one goal shy of Pelé’s record 77 goals for the Seleção Canarinho.
Brazil are widely expected to come out on top at Education City Stadium and reach the World Cup semis for a 12th time; they are 1.40 to win on Friday. Croatia are priced 8.50 to win, while odds of 4.75 for the tie to be decided beyond 90 minutes.
Neymar is 2.25 to score anytime in the match, while Richarlison and Vinicius Jr are both 2.90 to get on the scoresheet.
(Bet365)
