On a windy night, Brazil went out of the World Cup. To a different European group and once more within the quarter-finals. A cycle has ended, mentioned head coach Tite sticking to his stand of stepping down when the five-time champions’ race was run right here. Having equalled Pele’s report of 77 worldwide objectives –that’s 15 greater than Ronaldo Nazario and 22 greater than Romario’s tally – Neymar Jr mentioned he’s not positive of enjoying for Brazil once more.
High-quality margins determine World Cup video games. David Trezeguet hit the framework and Italy grew to become world champions. Pablo Sarabia’s shot skimmed the submit and shortly after, Spain have been heading house. Having flung himself full stretch, Manuel Neuer might solely watch Lionel Messi’s angular drive go inches previous his purpose on the Maracana earlier than Germany received that last. The penalty from Marquinhos had Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livacovic, so good at anticipating photographs from the spot, going the unsuitable means however it pinged off the submit resulting in tears of pleasure and despair.
Additionally, video games are sometimes not received by the group that entertains or has a lot of the ball. Ask Spain. Or Brazil. Choreographed celebrations, audacious objectives together with that Neymar Jr strike on Friday, one that may keep as a part of the highlights reel of this version, weren’t sufficient. The match the place they misplaced to Croatia was additionally one the place they have been tamed by an African group. Each firsts.
“We confirmed as soon as once more what it means to by no means surrender,” mentioned Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic. “Hats off to all my gamers who eradicated an enormous match favorite and doubtless the very best group. Solely Croatia might do that. I believe solely groups with character can come again like this. It has kind of grow to be regular for us.”
Did Brazil have that too? Tite didn’t agree that the group lacked psychological fortitude declaring their makes an attempt on course (11; Croatia had 1) and that they led until the 117th minute. “Whenever you play 90- minutes, two halves of additional time, then open the scoring, I don’t know,” he mentioned.
However was changing Vinicius Jr within the sixty fourth minute and Raphinha within the 56th additionally not indication of early indicators of panic? True, Croatia have been profitable in preserving him away from the ball for lengthy however like Neymar, Vinicius can affect video games in a single motion; he received a Champions League last that means. Accepting that criticism comes with the territory, Tite mentioned the replacements, Antony and Rodrygo, introduced totally different expertise.
Brazil had extra probabilities within the second half however weren’t environment friendly until Neymar determined to settle issues on his personal. Then they celebrated like they’d already received. Half-time of extra-time was seen spent in celebratory hugs. As an alternative of attempting to handle the sport, Brazil tried to attain one other and have been caught on the counter-attack.
In 2014, Neymar absence because of damage had David Luiz and Julio Cesar held his jersey whereas belting out the nationwide anthem earlier than the semi-final. The group’s lack of ability to maintain feelings in verify contributed to the implosion that adopted. It was exhausting to disclaim a way of that once more on Friday.
Croatia knew they must undergo and have been prepared for it. The midfield of Luka Modric, Matteo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic which Dalic mentioned was “the very best on this planet” didn’t “rush” issues after they had the ball. “That, I believe, was crucial factor,” mentioned the Croatia coach after attending to his second successive World Cup semi-final. To try this in opposition to a group with the attacking expertise of Brazil says quite a bit about their psychological resilience.
In six World Cup’s this century, Brazil have been taken to the tie-breakers solely as soon as, by Chile within the spherical of 16 in 2014. Eight of Croatia’s final knockout video games have gone to extra-time; Croatia have received 5 of the final video games that went to penalties. “As soon as we get to penalties, that’s after we grow to be favourites. I sense that the opponent seems like they’ve misplaced the sport already as a result of Croatia have received so many issues on penalties. However nonetheless it’s a must to get to the penalty shootout, that’s not so easy” mentioned Dalic.
Solely Argentina have received successive penalty shootouts within the World Cup, in 1990.
Beginning the penalty with a save additionally means, mentioned Dalic, giving your group confidence and making the opponents shaky “as they begin considering, he’ll save once more.”
Additionally, penalties aren’t lotteries as Luis Enrique has identified. The previous Spain coach mentioned it was about follow and talent. In contrast to Rodrygo’s effort, Croatia’s penalties right here have been so properly executed that Gary Lineker can now replace his remark to soccer being a easy recreation of 11 v 11 however then it goes to penalties and Croatia win.
Tite had spoken of not enjoying high quality European groups in friendlies might hamper Brazil’s preparations. Brazil hadn’t performed one since March 2019. Brazil handled Serbia and Switzerland however the wins weren’t with out wrestle. Croatia have been a step up. So, obrigado Brazil. The World Cup will miss you. You have been good however not ok.