The Croatian national team advanced to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after defeating Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout during the quarterfinals at Education City Stadium. The first half ended in a goalless draw, with Brazil lacking effectiveness against the 2018 runners-up despite some opportunities from both sides.
The most dangerous chance for Croatia came in the 13th minute when Ivan Perisic could have capitalized better on Mario Pasalic's cross in front of goalkeeper Alisson. Brazil played with a missing energy in the first half, creating several chances, including three attempts from Neymar, but goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic stood firm.
Brazil and Croatia headed into extra time with the score still 0-0. Croatia faced extra time for the second time, having previously overcome Japan in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16. Neymar scored a late goal for Brazil in the final moments of the first extra period after a beautiful exchange that broke the Croatian defense.
With this goal, Neymar increased his tally to 77 goals with the Brazilian national team, tying him with legend Pelé, Brazil's all-time top scorer who had maintained his record for 51 years. Pelé is the only player to have won the World Cup three times in 1958, 1962, and 1970, scoring 77 goals in 92 matches with Brazil. Neymar, at 30 years old, reached his 77th goal in his 124th international match.
Bruno Petkovic equalized for Croatia by scoring in the 117th minute, leading the match to be decided by penalties, which ended with Croatia winning 4-2.
