The huge shock of the December 9 quarter finals at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup was the exit of five-time champions Brazil. They were beaten 2-4 in penalties by last year’s runners-up Croatia. Croatia will take on Argentina in the semi finals. Argentina, in the second quarter final match of the day had a narrow escape against the Netherlands, again winning 4-3 on penalties after a full-time deadlock.
Croatia beat Brazil
In one of the most dramatic ends to the FIFA World Cup game in this edition, Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament. Croatia knocked Brazil out of the World Cup, beating the five-time champions 4-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals for the second straight time.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved a penalty attempt by Rodrygo and Marquinhos later hit the post.
The match had finished 1-1 after extra time, with both goals coming in the additional 30 minutes. Neymar scored late in the first half of extra time to give Brazil the lead, but Croatia equalized when Bruno Petkovic scored in the 117th.
Neymar’s brilliant goal moved him into a tie with Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals.
Brazil coach Tite resigned after the World Cup loss to Croatia. Both of Tite’s World Cup squads (2018 and 2022) were eliminated in the quarterfinals. “The fifth penalty is the decisive one. There is more pressure and players who are mentally prepared are best to take it,” Tite said of his decision.
Argentina beat Netherlands
With an assist and a goal, Lionel Messi had Argentina 2-0 up deep into the second-half before Wout Weghorst scored two late goals to make it 2-2 for Netherlands. The two teams couldn’t add to their tally in the extra-time, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. At the end, Emiliano Martinez made some fine saves to help Argentina secure a 4-3 win in the penalty shootout.
