Brazil were defeated on penalties; Messi led Argentina to the semi-finals.

Croatia's celebration after defeating Brazil on penalties.

Opening the quarter-final round:Brazil and Croatiaultimate competition

Despite being considered the stronger team, Brazil faced considerable difficulties against Croatia. Modric's team opted for a pragmatic style of play, using defense as a springboard to counter the power of the South American superstars. In the first half, Brazil constantly pushed forward, applying intense pressure whenever their opponents had possession. However, the reigning World Cup runners-up demonstrated their class and experience by creating impressive breakthroughs to break through the pressing. The artistic performances of both teams provided a captivating and emotionally charged football feast for the viewers.

With a bit of luck, Croatia could have opened the scoring in the 30th minute. From an attack down the right wing, Juranovic delivered a low cross, the ball flying across Allison's goal, but unfortunately, Perisic's touch missed the target.

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

In the second half, Brazil played more proactively. The Selecao executed their control and pressure tactics quite effectively. In the first three minutes of the second half, Brazil created two consecutive scoring opportunities, starting with Raphinha's run down the right wing which nearly resulted in an own goal by Gvardiol, followed by a combination play between Vinicius and Neymar, before Neymar attempted a turn and shot.

However, the Brazilian strikers were still unable to put the ball into the opponent's net, and the match went into extra time. Neymar's brilliance helped Brazil open the scoring. The Selecao executed a series of spontaneous passing sequences before threading a pass to Neymar, who raced down to face goalkeeper Livakovic. The superstar wearing the number 10 shirt used his technique to dribble past the goalkeeper and shoot into the net.

The match seemed decided, however, Croatia's resurgence left viewers in awe. Modric's team proactively put pressure on their opponents. From Orsic's cross, Petkovic took a one-touch shot, the ball deflected off Marquinhos's foot and into the net, sending the match into a fateful penalty shootout.

In the penalty shootout, Croatia successfully converted all four of their penalties to secure their place in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Argentina defeated the Netherlands to secure their place in the semi-finals.

From the very first minutes, Argentina showed their initiative thanks to their technically gifted players. In the 35th minute, the first highlight appeared. Receiving the ball in the midfield, Messi unleashed a through pass that tore apart the Dutch defense. In the resulting breakaway, Nahuel Molina finished subtly to open the scoring for Lionel Scaloni's side.

Messi and his teammates celebrate the day Argentina reached the World Cup semi-finals.

In the second half, the game didn't change much, with Argentina maintaining the upper hand. Then, in the 72nd minute, Denzel Dumfries made a mistake, fouling Marcos Acuna inside the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Lionel Messi beat Andries Noppert to make it 2-0.

Messi had a brilliant game.

It seemed as though they were doomed, but a brilliant substitution by coach Louis Van Gaal helped the Netherlands completely turn the tide. In the final minutes of the second half, the "Orange Tornado" played a more long-ball game. Finally, in the 83rd minute, striker Wout Weghorst headed the ball into Emiliano Martinez's net, reducing the deficit to 1-2.

With only seconds left in the match, Wout Weghorst shone, sending the game into extra time. The contest was decided only on penalties, with Emiliano Martinez making a brilliant save to send Argentina into the semi-finals against Croatia.

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