Croatia knocked Brazil out of the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals on penalties after a fascinating battle, with Dominik Livakovic proving to be the hero once more for the Vatreni. The two nations were locked in a close contest throughout and were goalless after 90 minutes.
Neymar thought he had saved the day for Brazil with a well-worked goal right at the end of the first half of extra time. However, Croatia’s spirit never faltered and more drama ensued after a Bruno Petkovic goal levelled things up with just three minutes left to go, meaning the game would have to be decided on penalties.
Croatia were brilliant from the spot, converting all their penalties but both Rodrygo and Marquinhos were unable to score and Brazil were sent home early. So, here’s our Croatia player ratings against Brazil as they reach their second consecutive World Cup semi-finals.
Croatia (4-3-3):
Dominik Livakovic – 9
Livakovic continues to impress and played a major role in sending Croatia into the last four here. He made a number of important saves throughout the match to keep the Vatreni in the game, especially in the second half, displaying excellent reactions and positioning to deny the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro. Was able to set the tone in the shootout as well, stopping Rodrygo’s opening penalty.
Josip Juranovic – 8
Helped create Croatia’s first half chance of the match with a surging run down the right-hand side. Coped well with the threat of Vinicius Junior in the first half and was full of energy. Defensively sound throughout.
Dejan Lovren – 7.5
Hardly put a foot wrong all game and looked solid in defense. Made a superb tackle on Neymar in the first half of extra time.
Josko Gvardiol – 8
Made an excellent block to deny a Vinicius Junior effort in the opening 20 minutes and also made one at the beginning of the second half to stop Neymar. His form from the rest of the tournament continued here and the 20-year-old was a rock at the back.
Borna Sosa – 7
Looked solid at left-back, not allowing Raphinha to get into the game. Got physical with Manchester United winger Antony but it was a tough battle.
Mateo Kovacic – 7.5
Won the ball back superbly in the midfield a number of times in the first half and was exerting pressure well. Solid in possession too and advanced play at points as well.
Marcelo Brozovic – 8
Retained his usual role at the heart of the Croatian midfield but did give away a lot of fouls and received a booking in the first half. Helped keep the tempo from the middle and also made a few tackles. A typical performance by the Inter man. Had a decent chance in extra time but thrashed his attempt over the bar.
Luka Modric – 7.5
Earning his 160th cap for the Vatreni, Luka Modric helped progress the play at points with some good forward passes. Was accurate in possession too and was also able to draw a few fouls.
Mario Pasalic – 5
Tracked back well at times but didn’t offer much going forward. Replaced by Nikola Vlasic with around 20 minutes to go.
Andrej Kramaric – 5.5
Occupied the central forward role here, despite operating on the right wing for the majority of the tournament. Linked the play well at times when given the opportunity but Croatia were pinned back for large parts of the game.
Ivan Perisic – 6
Struggled to get involved in the first half but did deliver a teasing ball after the break that was just a little too high for Kovacic.
Substitutions
Nikola Vlasic – 6
Did very little when he was introduced but converted the first penalty for Croatia in the shootout.
Bruno Petkovic – 8
Displayed an excellent piece of skill to get past Casemiro and Eder Militao in extra time and laid the ball off to Brozovic but the midfielder couldn’t find the target. His deflected shot levelled things up in extra time to keep Croatia in the tournament, scoring his first goal for Croatia in two years. Excellent cameo performance.
Lovro Majer – N/A
Ante Budimir – N/A
Mislav Orsic – N/A
Wasn’t on long enough to earn a rating but assisted Croatia’s equalizer with a nice cut back into Petkovic and also scored his penalty in the shootout with a fine strike into the bottom corner.