The quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup will kick off with five-time champions taking on 2018 runners-up Croatia at the Education City Stadium on Friday, Dec 9, at 6 pm (EAT). 

The Selecao will be looking to shake off their World Cup quarterfinal bad omens- having been knocked out at the same stage in three of the last four World Cup tournaments. On the other hand, Croatia have largely failed to replicate the form that got them to the 2018 finals but have shown the grit needed to get the job done. They have drawn three of the four games they’ve played, knocking out Japan on penalties in the round of 16. Their only win in normal time came against Group F whipping boys, Canada.

Who will carry the day and progress to the semis?

Brazil Review and Team News

Neymar shook off an injury scare and inspired the Selecao to a 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16, finishing the job within the first 30 minutes. While Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus is set to miss the rest of the tournament with an injury, Brazil are not short of attacking options. Surprise call-up Richarlison has blown up the tournament with Goal of the Tournament contenders.

Croatia are not unfamiliar opponents to Brazil, having met twice in the World Cup group stages (2006 and 2014). The South Americans comfortably won both games. Three other friendly encounters have ended with a win to Brazil and two draws. 

However, Brazil's head coach Tite said he is wary of Croatia’s resilience in the World Cup. 

Croatia Review and Team News

Unlike Brazil, Croatia doesn’t have any injury worries ahead of their quarterfinal clash. Left Borna Sosa, who missed the win over Japan due to an illness, is likely to return against Brazil. 

Croatia are hoping the brilliance of the midfield trio of Marcelo Brozović, Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić will help them neutralize Brazil’s attacking threat while also giving them an edge up front. This is arguably one of the best midfield combinations in the World Cup and they make it easy for Croatia to transition from defence to attack seamlessly.

This is Croatia’s third appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals. They won the previous two against Germany in 1998 and Russia in 2018. They have also lost only one of their last 11 FIFA World Cup matches. But this is a fixture in which history doesn’t favour them, having lost both times they met. 

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Croatia have proven their worth, especially defensively, in this World Cup. They have the pedigree to be considered serious contenders for a place in the semis. However, Brazil are favourites not only to progress to the next round but to go on and win the 2022 World Cup. This is the most serious test of Croatia’s ability since the 2018 loss to France.

Do you think the Samba dance will continue? Will Croatia’s resilience see them take another charge at the World Cup? You can show your support for either team by getting a Brazil or Croatia World Cup jersey from Fanbase.

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