World Cup Round-Up (Quarter-Finals Day 1) – Croatia Stun Brazil and Argentina Advance

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Croatia and Argentina certified for the semi-finals of the World Cup on Friday, defeating Brazil and the Netherlands, respectively. Each clashes went all the best way to penalties and delivered high-class drama all through.

Within the early kick-off, Croatia got here from behind to shock pre-tournament favourites Brazil. The Netherlands additionally got here from behind to drive extra-time in opposition to Argentina, however Lionel Messi and co. finally prevailed.

It’s time to relive all of the motion from one other memorable day in Qatar. Right here is Friday’s World Cup round-up.

Croatia Attain Semi-Finals Once more as Brazil Fall Quick

Many believed that Brazil can be too robust for a seemingly fatigued Croatia outfit, however the Croatians have been arguably the higher workforce within the first half at Training Metropolis Stadium.

After the break, nonetheless, the Brazilians turned up the warmth and created a number of goalscoring alternatives. Even so, Zlatko Dalic’s aspect managed to climate the storm and drive the tie into extra-time.

Within the 106th minute, Neymar lastly broke the impasse – ending off a wonderful passage of play to maneuver stage with Pele in Brazil’s all-time scoring charts. Nevertheless it wasn’t the profitable aim.

With solely a handful of minutes remaining in extra-time, Bruno Petkovic equalised for Croatia – sending the sport to penalties. The Croatians managed a solitary shot on track all through the tie, whereas Brazil recorded 11 makes an attempt on track.

Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved Brazil’s first penalty from Rodrygo, earlier than Croatia scored 4 successive spot kicks. Marquinhos then missed Brazil’s fourth to ship Croatia into the final 4.

Argentina Defeat Dutch on Penalties After Fiery Conflict

Identical to the primary quarter-final, Friday’s second encounter was filled with thrills and spills. Certainly, the 19 yellow playing cards dished out by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz let you know the whole lot you want to know concerning the conflict.

Lionel Messi arrange Nahuel Molina for to provide Argentina the lead on 35 minutes, earlier than the PSG celebrity doubled his workforce’s lead from the penalty spot halfway via the second half. However the Netherlands refused to lie down.

Substitute Wout Weghorst scored on 83 and 101 minutes to drive extra-time, giving the Dutch a lifeline. Nonetheless, after half-hour of goalless motion, the second penalty shootout of the day passed off.

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez proved to be the hero, saving penalties from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis. In the meantime, Messi, Leandro Paredes and Gonzalo Monteil transformed for the South American champions.

Enzo Fernandes missed Argentina’s fourth penalty, however Lautaro Martinez scored the winner. The Argentines will now face Croatia within the semi-finals on Tuesday.