Our 3️⃣ points as Brazil sent home and Croatia reach semis | OneFootball

Croatia are into a second World Cup semi-final in succession having beaten Brazil on penalties on Friday.

Here are our three points from the game.

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Livaković does it again

Dominik Livaković came into this already a hero, having produced the saves that saw Croatia beat Japan on penalties in the last round.

Against Brazil he was outstanding, making 10 saves, including a series of superb close range stops to deny Lucas Paquetá more than once, Neymar, and Richarlison.

As Croatia struggled throughout the second half, their last line of defence stood tall.

Then he did it all over again in the shootout, putting his side ahead from the off as he went the right way and saved from Rodrygo, equalling a piece of World Cup history.

The case may be closed for goalkeeper of the tournament.

Hollow history

Brazil needed Neymar twice on Friday.

He delivered once, dancing through a stubborn backline and finally providing the touch that beat the superb Livaković in goal, shifting around the Croatian before firing home.

The goal saw him equal history, he is now level with Pelé as the man with the most goals for Brazil, 77 in total.

Then they needed him again and he was nowhere to be seen, failing to take a penalty in the shootout as Rodrygo and Marquinhhos both missed from 12 yards. Was it really worth waiting for the chance to take the fifth spot kick?

Wide open

Neither Argentina nor the Netherlands have consistently convinced so far this tournament. One of France or England will be out by Saturday evening, with previously unfancied Morocco buoyant ahead of their quarter-final with a rejuvenated Portugal.

With Brazil now out, Croatia have nothing to fear as they sit just one game away from the final, and it really looks like anything could happen on the other side of the bracket too, with perhaps the two strongest sides facing each other next up.

This World Cup has been far from predictable and you would not bet against that trend continuing now.

It is anybody’s to win.