Croatia fans ready to take on Brazil in World Cup quarterfinals
Croatia beat Japan on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup, where they’ll take on Brazil, a team they’ve never before beat.
Brazil breezed through to the quarterfinas of the World Cup with a 4-1 defeat over South Korea. Meanwhile, Croatia didn’t have such an easy time securing their spot, winning on penalties over Japan. Brazil and Croatia will face each other in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday at 10 a.m. ET at Education City Stadium.
Croatia vs Brazil, 2022 World Cup quarter-finals: date, times and how to watch
Brazil vs Croatia
It was no easy feat for Croatia to get past Japan. Ending in a 1-1 tie at the final minute, the game came down to a shootout. That’s where Japan faltered, making just one of four attempts. Against Brazil though, Croatia will have a much bigger challenge.
Brazil are still the favorites to win the tournament and they’ll come into this match well-rested after switching out the majority of their team for the group stage finale against Cameroon and then dominating South Korea before even reaching halftime in the round of 16. Against South Korea, Neymar made his return after suffering an ankle sprain and was looking healthy and fit.
Croatia can’t seem to get past Brazil. They are 2-0 in the quarterfinals, beating Germany in 1998 and Russia in 2018. But when Brazil and Croatia played each other in the group stage in 2006 and 2014, Brazil won both matches.
“In our history, the only team which we didn’t beat is Brazil,” said a Croatian fan after their win over Japan. “We won against England, Argentina, Germany, Italy many times. But Brazil, never. So I hope next time we will beat them.”
Other fans were more confident, despite their history and despite the struggle against Japan.
“We’re going to also destroy Brazil. No worries, we’re taking them all,” said one fan.
“We controlled the game the whole 120 minutes,” said another fan. “They scored from just one chance. So I think we deserved it, even before the extra time. Of course, we’re going to play with Brazil. But this time, we won’t be second. This time, we’re going to be the winner of the World Cup.”