Croatia-Brazil is a World Cup 2022 quarter-final match to be played on Friday at 16:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming
The temperatures are soaring in Qatar. With the quarter-finals we enter the hottest and most exciting phase of the championship. And the level, consequently, rises considerably. Brazil, France, England, Argentina. Plus the two outsiders Croatia and the Netherlands and the big surprise Morocco, the only bastion of the African continent. There are only two big names left out of the small club of the top eight: the unjustified absences of Spain and Germany, who left the Middle East well in advance, are striking. The number one favourite, however, remains Tite’s very strong Seleçao, who will open the quarter-final programme at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan against vice-world champions Croatia.
On paper it is perhaps the least balanced clash, but Perisic and his team-mates, despite having arrived so far on tiptoes and without any fireworks, seem to have what it takes to cause a minimum of disturbance to the Greenoro battleship. But at the same time they are aware that, to pass the round, they will have to try to go beyond their limits.
A balanced and spectacular Brazil
Yes, because Brazil once again gave a full demonstration of their strength in the round of 16 against South Korea, who were forced to raise the white flag after just 36 minutes. It was a truly intoxicating performance by the Rioja players, who went to rest before the second half ahead by four goals. Vinicius, Neymar, Richarlison and Paquetá: the party was served. A spectacular and balanced team, which entertains and enjoys itself. And that knows how to defend and wait, without running the risk of getting too unbalanced. The goal conceded in the second half was the only blemish on an evening in which the South Americans bordered on perfection. This was confirmed by the fact that even coach Tite danced with his men, in an awkward but sympathetic attempt to replicate Richarlison’s jubilation.
For Croatia, on the other hand, it was much less easy to defeat Japan, who were eliminated only after penalty kicks. It was the third draw in four matches for Zlatko Dalic’s chequered selection, who have so far only managed to get the better of Canada in the group. After two 0-0 draws against Morocco and Belgium, there was a 1-1 draw with the Japanese: Maeda was answered by Perisic. Then the shots from the penalty spot did the rest: the three Japanese mistakes were decisive. There is no lack of experience and technical quality, but the feeling is that this Croatia is less strong than the version that surprised everyone in Russia. And in attack, the absence of a centre forward of the right level weighs heavily.
Croatia-Brazil: the latest line-up news
Croatians’ joy after qualifying for the quarters
No changes are expected in the starting eleven of Brazil, who, against Japan, got their star player Neymar back. The Psg ace will support the only forward Richarlison in the 4-2-3-1 designed by Tite. Alongside him will be Raphinha and Vinicius. In the midfield, the Rioja coach will rely on Casemiro, one of the most decisive players in this selection and who will have the difficult task of ‘dirtying’ the geometries of his former Real Madrid teammate Modric. There will also be space for former Milan player Paquetá, another irreplaceable pawn. In defence, Danilo will be confirmed on the left, as Alex Sandro has not recovered.
There are also few changes in Croatia’s starting line-up. Dalic’s only doubt concerns the centre forward: so far both Livaja and Petkovic have been disappointing, and it is not certain that the selector will decide to launch former Croton player Budimir. Meanwhile, Kramaric and Perisic are sure to feature in the offensive trident, but Atalanta player Pasalic is also asking for space.
The prediction
Croatia have yet to lose a game, unlike Brazil, who in the group stage surrendered to Cameroon in the last, totally irrelevant match. But Dalic’s men, although they only conceded two goals in Qatar, have never been fully convincing, and the fact that they only managed to get the better of Canada proves it. This time the ‘homework’ may not be enough against a potentially devastating Brazil, who are very solid and who are bursting with quality up front. We assume another spectacular performance from Seleçao, who are likely to close out the game in the 90-minute regulation period, in a match with at least three goals in total.
Croatia-Brazil matchday squad
- CROATIA (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic.
- BRAZIL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr.; Richarlison.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-3
