Deflated: Neymar’s brilliant goal wasn’t enough for Brazil
(Picture: Getty Images)Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their penalties for Brazil to see Croatia knock the favourites and five-time winners out of the World Cup in Qatar.
All four of Croatia’s takers scored their spot-kicks after Dominik Livakovic saved Rodrygo’s opening effort and Marquinhos would hit the post in front of his fans.
It followed Neymar opening the scoring in extra time with a pair of one-twos and a stunning dribble in the box before smashing it into the roof of the net.
It would have gone down as one of Selecao’s great goals had Bruno Petkovic’s goal not squeezed past Alisson in the 117th minute.
Nizaar Kinsella watched the drama unfold at Education City Stadium and rated the Brazil players involved.
Alisson Becker - 5
Alisson watched the game like most of the 44,000 fans in the stadium, not making a single save for 120 minutes. Petkovic’s shot did take a deflection but it wasn’t hit particularly hard so you were left wondering if he could react more quickly.
Danilo - 5
Danilo was booked for a wild challenge on Josip Juranovic early on. He struggled with the overlapping full-back and most of the first-half chances came down his side.
Thiago Silva - 7
Making his 15th appearance at the World Cup, the 38-year-old was the last line of defence as Brazil dominated possession. He stepped in well when needed to defy his age just as he does for Chelsea.
Marquinhos - 5
With so much control in the game, Marquinhos tended to roam into midfield positions to try to break down Croatia. He was booked for a cynical foul on Modric. He was unlucky to see Petkovic’s shot deflect dangerously off his leg into the goal.
Eder Militao - 7
He produced a good cross that almost led to a Josko Gvardiol own goal straight after half-time. Militao was playing an uncomfortable right-back role but did the job well. He saw an 86th-minute shot go wide after busting a gut to join a counterattack.
Casemiro-7
The Manchester United midfielder gave the ball away in a dangerous area to Luka Modric but Croatia didn’t take advantage of the opportunity.
Modric effectively man-marked him so he couldn’t easily start attacks but he still managed to break up the play brilliantly and was tidy in possession. Harshly booked for a foul in midfield.
Lucas Paqueta - 6
Ran through on goal from a good midfield run, didn’t do a lot wrong but saw his shot saved by the impressive Livakovic in Croatia’s goal. His well-struck shot in the 80th minute threatened Livakovic but, again, was well saved.
Vinicius Junior - 5
He played a good one-two and shot early on but saw his shot too easily saved. The Real Madrid superstar was surprisingly substituted in the 64th minute.
Neymar - 8
Neymar had been wasteful all game but created and scored a memorable goal that embodied Brazilian football history.
He took the ball in midfield, played a one-two with Rodrygo and then did so again with Paqueta before jinking past Modric and goalkeeper Petkovic and smashed it into the roof of the net.
He had shot early in the first half instead of squaring a simple pass to Vinicius Junior who was free in the box. Neymar then went through one on one twice with Dominik Livakovic but had both his shots saved.
Raphinha - 4
The Barcelona forward had a very quiet game and was substituted after 56 minutes.
Richarlison- 7
Richarlison was a good target man, offering himself by dropping deep and playing the wide forwards into central positions. He did an impression of his Tottenham teammate Harry Kane in an unselfish display. He created chances for both Vinicius Junior and Neymar which could have led to goals. Strangely substituted for Pedro toward the end of the second half.
Substitutes
Antony - 7
Coming on for Raphinha, the Man United winger used his street skills to find ways past the stubborn left side of defence. Outshone Raphinha and put himself in contention to start the semi-final. He was constantly fouled and hauled his side up the pitch.
Rodrygo - 6
Rodrygo came on for his Real Madrid teammate and broke well when he has space to run into towards the end of the half. He produced a good in-swinging cross and attempted a bicycle kick in extra time but didn’t make the same impact as his other substitutes.
Pedro - 6
The Flamengo striker was fairly quiet during his 30 or so minutes on the pitch.
Alex Sandro - N/A
Fred - N/A
Unused subs
Ederson, Weverton; Bremer, Dani Alves; Fabinho, Bruno Giumarares, Everton Ribeiro; Gabriel Martinell
