Brazil defeated on penalties; Messi sends Argentina into semi-finals

Croatia celebrate after defeating Brazil on penalties.

Opening the quarter-finals:Brazil and Croatiatop competition

Although rated higher, Brazil still encountered many difficulties against Croatia. Modric's team chose a pragmatic style of play, using defense as a springboard to counter the power of the South American superstars. In the first half, Brazil always pushed up their formation, putting great pressure on the opponent when they had the ball. However, the current World Cup runner-up showed their class and experience when creating impressive pressing breaks. The artistic performance of the two teams brought an attractive and emotional football feast to the audience.

If luck had smiled on Croatia, they could have opened the scoring in the 30th minute of the match. From a move up the right wing, Juranovic crossed low, the ball flew across Allison's goal, but unfortunately, Perisic's touch did not send the ball into the goal.

Neymar gave Brazil the lead in the first half of extra time.

In the second half, Brazil played more proactively. The ability to control and put pressure on the opponent was quite smooth. In the first 3 minutes of the second half, Brazil continuously created 2 scoring opportunities, starting with Raphinha's attack on the right wing that almost caused Gvardiol to score an own goal, then the coordinated effort between Vinicius and Neymar, before Neymar tried to turn and finish.

However, the Brazilian strikers still could not put the ball in the opponent's net, the match went into extra time. Neymar's brilliance helped Brazil open the score of the match. The Selecao performed impromptu passes, before passing the ball to Neymar to face goalkeeper Livakovic. The superstar wearing the number 10 shirt used his technique to fool the goalkeeper and shoot into the opponent's net.

It seemed like the match was over, but Croatia's rise made the audience admire. Modric's team actively put pressure on the opponent. From Orsic's cross, Petkovic finished with one touch, the ball hit Marquinhos' foot and changed direction into the net, bringing the match into a fateful penalty shootout.

On the penalty spot, Croatia successfully executed all 4 kicks to win a ticket to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Argentina beat the Netherlands to book their place in the semi-finals.

Right from the first minutes, Argentina showed initiative thanks to the technical factors. In the 35th minute, the first highlight appeared. With the ball in the middle, Messi launched a through ball that tore through the Dutch defense. In the situation of breaking through, Nahuel Molina finished delicately to open the score for the team of coach Lionel Scaloni.

The joy of Messi and his teammates on the day Argentina entered the World Cup semi-finals.

In the second half, the game did not change much as Argentina took the upper hand. And in the 72nd minute, Denzel Dumfries made a mistake when he fouled Marcos Acuna in the 16m50 box. On the 11m mark, Lionel Messi defeated Andries Noppert to increase the score to 2-0.

Messi had a brilliant day.

It seemed that they would be eliminated, however, the genius substitution decision of coach Louis Van Gaal helped the Netherlands completely turn the game around. In the final minutes of the second half, the "Orange Storm" took the initiative to play high balls. Finally, in the 83rd minute, striker Wout Weghorst headed the ball into the net of Emiliano Martinez, narrowing the gap to 1-2.

With just seconds left, Wout Weghorst shined to send the match into extra time. The match was only decided on penalties, Emiliano Martinez made an excellent save to help Argentina advance to the semi-finals against Croatia.