Brazil suffered defeat on penalties to Croatia as their World Cup dreams came to a crashing end at the quarter-final stage, despite an opener from Neymar. Dominik Livakovic kept the Brazilian’s at bay for the majority of the match but a delightful Neymar goal in extra time put them ahead.
However, Croatia didn’t give up and substitute Bruno Petkovic equalized late on. Livakovic made his mark once more, saving Rodrygo’s opening penalty in the shootout, before Marquinhos struck the post with the decisive penalty to send the Vatreni through.
It was a disappointing defeat for Brazil after they had controlled most of the match but Croatia’s impressive record in the knockouts continues at the World Cup. So, here’s our Brazil player ratings for their defeat against Croatia.
Brazil (4-2-3-1):
Alisson – 5
Had nothing to do all game and couldn’t do much to stop Petkovic’s equalizer with it taking a deflection. Couldn’t get close to most of Croatia’s excellent spot kicks either.
Eder Militao – 7.5
Pushed on to help support the attack in the second half and also looked good defensively. Subbed off in extra time.
Thiago Silva – 7.5
Looked in control all game and dealt with any threat with ease.
Marquinhos – 7
Very little to do defensively but dealt with it comfortably when needed to. Struck the post with the decisive penalty that meant Brazil were sent home early from the World Cup.
Danilo – 6.5
Booked for a dangerous high boot midway through the first half. Often sat inside, trying to support the midfield.
Lucas Paqueta – 7
Had a good chance saved by Dominik Livakovic in the second half but linked up with Neymar to provide the assist for the opening goal.
Casemiro – 7
Too casual in possession after the first 15 minutes and was dispossessed in a dangerous position by Luka Modric. Picked up a bit of a harsh booking in the second forty five. Had a decent chance right at the death of extra time but was denied by Livakovic. Smashed his penalty past the Croatian goalkeeper into the bottom left corner.
Raphinha – 5
Not at his best at all today and struggled to impact the match. Subbed off before the hour mark for Antony.
Neymar – 8
Thought he had saved the day in extra time, linking up excellently with both Rodrygo and Lucas Paqueta before keeping his composure to take the ball past Livakovic and fire home. He has now equalled Pele’s goalscoring record as leading Brazilian goalscorer but it will mean very little now after their exit. Wasn’t at his best today, squandering his earlier chances that could have won the tie.
Vinicius Junior – 6
Looked like the biggest threat for Brazil in the opening 20 minutes, creating some danger a couple of times down the left flank and cutting inside onto his right foot. However, Josip Juranovic did a fine job at containing him for the majority of the game before he was benched for his Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo.
Richarlison – 6.5
Struggled to get involved in the first half but started to impact the second and looked sharper. Set up a great chance for Neymar after the break, displaying excellent control. Played another nice pass into Neymar with just over 15 minutes to go but Livakovic was there to make the stop once more. Taken off late on for Pedro.
Substitutions
Antony – 6
Dived when anticipating a challenge from Borna Sosa but referee Michael Oliver wasn’t having any of it. Showed a nice bit of skill to get past Sosa later on and tried to make things happen but was getting a little frustrated by the physicality.
Rodrygo – 6.5
Put a dangerous ball into the box in the first half of extra time but Paqueta couldn’t get on the end of it. Was part of the build up for Neymar’s goal. However, his penalty in the shootout was poor and was saved by Livakovic.