World Cup roundup: Croatia oust Brazil as Argentina pip the Netherlands

Emmanuel Alfred

Croatia showed great discipline and composure to beat tournament favourites Brazil 4-2 via penalty shootout in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.

After a barren ninety minutes of action, Brazil superstar Neymar gave the five-time world champions a lead but it was cancelled by substitute Bruno Petkovic to end the game 1-1 after extra time.

The 2018 runners-up, who faced their second consecutive shootout after beating Japan earlier on penalties converted all their four kicks but the duo of Marquinhos and Rodrygo failed to convert at the Doha’s Education City Stadium.

The Croat goalie, Dominik Livakovic has made four Penalty shootout saves. The highest in World Cup history.

In the second quarterfinal of the day, Argentina sealed their place in the semi finals of the 2022 World Cup after overcoming the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties.

The match which was very entertaining saw Argentina dominate the game in the first 70 minutes which resulted in a 2-0 as Nahuel Molina scored after a beautiful pass from Lionel Messi.
The South Americans thought they had won the game after Messi scored from the spot kick to double the advantage but the Dutch side fought back as Wout Weghorst scored twice to take the game to extra time.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was the hero of the shootout by saving two penalties and giving them a semifinal ticket.
Argentina will play Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday.