Four key battles in Croatia v Brazil World Cup quarterfinal showdown
The 2022 FIFA World Cup has reached the quarterfinals stage with Croatia and Brazil set to lock horns on Friday in the first clash of the last eight in Qatar. Kick off is scheduled for 17:00
FARPost writer, Otis Ntshangase looks at four key battles in the Croatia-Brazil encounter.
Brazil are favorites heading into the game, they hold a 100 percent record against their opponents. The Samba Boys have won all the three previous matches against Croatia.
DOMINIK LIVAKOVIC v RICHARLISON
This will be a battle of one of the outstanding performers at the World Cup so far.
Livakovic has been in fine form for Croatia keeping two clean sheets and conceding only two goals in four matches.
Richarlison has also been in great form for Brazil.
He has scored three goals so far in the tournament, netting a goal of the tournament contender against Serbia to hand the South Americans their first victory of the 2022 World Cup.
DEJAN LOVREN v NEYMAR
The 33-year-old Lovren has been solid at the back for his nation marshaling the defense.
He helped his nation reach the last eight after providing an assist against Japan in the round of 16. For his performance, he was named the Man of the Match.
Neymar will be looking to continue will his superb form building from the last match against South Korea in the last 16.
In that match, the 30-year-old scored one goal and provided one assist as Brazil won 4-1. His great performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
LUKA MODRIC v CASEMIRO
Former Real Madrid teammates will battle it out in the midfield to show who is the real maestro.
Casemiro has been consistent when selected, he has played three full matches and was rested for the last group match against Cameroon.
The 30-year-old scored a late winner against Switzerland to seal qualification for his country to the round of 16.
The experienced midfielder Modric will have a point to prove at his last World Cup.
The skipper has featured in all Croatia’s four matches, bossing the midfield. In this year’s addition, he is yet to score and register an assist.
ANDREJ KRAMARIC v ALLISON BECKER
The Liverpool goalkeeper , Allison has been solid in between the sticks.
In four matches so far in the World Cup, Allison has kept two clean sheets and let in two goals as well.
Croatia will be banking on their talisman Andrej Kramaric to lead them to the semi finals.
The 31-year-old has two goals to his name after netting a brace against Canada. For his brilliant performance, he was named the man of the match.
In the second quarterfinal game on Friday, 09 December, Netherlands will tackle Argentina at 9pm.
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