Croatia vs Brazil: LIVE World Cup 2022 score and updates from quarter-final as Neymar and Luka Modric play

Brazil’s bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup trophy sees them take on Croatia in the quarter-finals in Qatar today.

The Selecao have not reached a final since their last triumph, in 2002, while Croatia were runners-up in Russia four years ago, falling to France at the last hurdle.

Brazil qualified atop their group in Qatar, setting up a last-16 clash with South Korea, whom Tite’s side tore apart 6-1 with one of the performances of the tournament so far. Meanwhile, Croatia finished second in their group and scraped past Japan on penalties in the round of 16.

The winner of this quarter-final will play Argentina or Netherlands in the semi-finals. Follow all the action with our live blog below:

Croatia vs Brazil latest updates

Croatia face Brazil in first World Cup 2022 quarter-final

66’ – SAVE! Livakovic off his line quickly to save from Paqueta (CRO 0-0 BRA)

56’ – SAVE! Neymar effort repelled at the near post by Livakovic (CRO 0-0 BRA)

48’ – SAVE! Livakovic brilliantly saves from Vini Jr after Neymar shots desperately blocked (CRO 0-0 BRA)

12’ – CHANCE! Pasalic’s flashed cross narrowly eludes Perisic (CRO 0-0 BRA)

3’ – CHANCE! Vini Jr shoots straight at Livakovic (CRO 0-0 BRA)

Brazil dazzled in 4-1 victory over South Korea in last 16

Croatia edged past Japan on penalties after last-16 tie ended 1-1 after 120 minutes

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:25 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Save! Neymar brings the ball down the left before cutting inside and sending a pacey ball into the box. Lucas Paqueta’s first touch moves the ball into the six-yard box and he follows up by poking the ball at goal but Livakovic closes him down and keeps the effort out with another body stop!

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:23 , Michael Jones

63 mins: It’s a testament to how will Croatia have protected the wide areas that Rpahinha and now Vinicius Jr have been taken off. Rodrygo is on for Brazil and is tasked with creating something different for the five time world champions.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:18 , Michael Jones

Story continues

60 mins: The first substitution of the game comes from Tite who introduces Manchester United’s Antony in place of Raphinha on the right wing.

Brazil have looked livelier in the second half. They don’t want this match going to extra-time.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:14 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Save! Brazil come close again! The ball is squared into the middle from the left where Richarlison slips a through ball into the left side of the penalty area and feeds Neymar into space.

Neymar scuffs his effort as he targets the near post but Livakovic has the gap covered and drops low to keep it out.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:12 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Close! Josip Juranovic brings the ball down the right for Croatia before working the ball over to Ivan Perisic on the opposite side of the box.

He brings the ball down before lifting it into the six-yard area.

Mario Pasalic makes a run from deep but the chipped pass is too high for him to get to and a potentially brilliant move comes undone as the ball skips out of play.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:10 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Croatia were in panic stations trying to defend that last period of Brazilian possession. Thay may just be a sign of tiredness creeping into the legs of the Europeans who played 120 minutes last time out.

Neymar goes on a sharp run through midfield and weaves into space but this attack dies down as he can’t pick out a teammate.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:08 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Save! Brazil flick the ball out to the right wing where it’s collected by Raphinha. He drives past Borna Sosa and squirts a pass into the box towards Richarlison.

Josko Gvardiol gets to the ball first but deflects it towards his own goal and a reaction save from Dominik Livakovic keeps it out!

Brazil recycle it with Vinicius Jr feeding it back to Neymar. He shoots on the spin but Gvardiol makes another fine block. Vinicius keeps the pressure on with a shot of his own but Livakovic makes himself big and stops this effort with his body before the flag goes up for offside.

Some massive moments right at the start of the second half here.

Second half: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

16:03 , Michael Jones

The players have come back out onto the pitch. No changes from either manager during the break and Richarlison kicks off the second half.

HT Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:57 , Michael Jones

The first goal in this game could be the decisive blow. Croatia are a side that really don’t like to lose. Seven of their last eight knockout round matches at major tournaments have gone to extra-time.

In the World Cup they’ve won all four such games during that run.

HT Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:53 , Michael Jones

Which team will break the deadlock first?

(PA)

(REUTERS)

Half-time: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:48 , Michael Jones

45+1 mins: Nothing to separate the two teams as the players break for half-time. Croatia’s command of midfield has seen them dictate play and limit the pace and flow of Brazil’s attacking quality.

Changes needed in the second half if Brazil want to go on an win this game before extra time.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:43 , Michael Jones

42 mins: It’s Neymar! He hits it well enough and gets his effort through the wall but Dominik Livakovic sees the ball the whole way and not even a deflection off one of the defenders causes him trouble in clinging onto the ball when it gets to him.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:42 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Quick footwork from Vinicius Junior sees him shifts the ball away Brozovic and draw the midfielder into a foul on the edge of the box.

There’s an opportunity here for Brazil to open the scoring. Neymar and Raphinha stand over the set piece. Who’ll take this one?

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:40 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Croatia are dominating the midfield contest with Luka Modric shifting the ball around the pitch at will. It’s a problem for Brazil who haven’t been able to effectively link up during their transitions.

The game is going Croatia’s way at the minute.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:36 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Juranovic has to scramble in order to clear the ball out of his own penalty area after a cross targeting Richarlison comes over to him. Vinicius Jr is onto the defender quickly but he manages to scoop it over the winger and send the ball out for a throw in.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:33 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Brozovic is the next man to pick up a yellow card after Neymar dinks the ball past him and looks to sprint towards the box. The Croatian midfielder grabs Neymar’s shirt and yanks him back right in front of the the referee.

That’s a brazen move from Brozovic which doesn’t go unpunished.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:29 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Modric’s delivery from the free kick is easily cleared by Brazil who quickly sweep up the pitch. Brozovic leans on Vinicius Jr as the winger receives the ball forcing the Brazilian to the deck.

The resultant free kick comes into the penalty area but doesn’t trouble the Croatian defence.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:25 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Brazil win a corner and swing the set piece into the area. Kovacic wins it in the air and nods it away before Modric is brought down and wins his team a free kick.

Croatia work the ball over to Juranovic who is hit by a high challenge from Danilo. The Brazilian goes in the book for his tackle and Croatia have the chance to get the ball into the box.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:22 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Chance! Lovely work from Vinicius Jr. He receives the ball on the left wing and drives up to the side of the box before cutting inside of Josip Juranovic.

He can’t gets past the defender so plays a quick one-two with Richarlison to move into a more central area and fizzing a shot at goal that Josko Gvardiol gets in front of.

The ball comes bobbling over to Neymar who shifts it into space and sends a shot of his own into the hands of Livakovic.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:20 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Croatia turnover possession and work the ball into midfield. Luka Modric sends it up the pitch before the ball comes against to Mateo Kovacic.

He touches it up to the edge of the box and shoots but his effort is stopped just inside the area.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:16 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Brazil haven’t kicked into life yet. They’ve stepped up the tempo of their passing after that missed chance from Perisic and look to get into the box from the right.

An overhit through ball is too strong for anyone to get to and it rolls behind for a goal kick.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:15 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Chance! Josip Juranovic drives down the right side of the pitch and comes inside before knocking the ball out wide to Mario Pasalic. He whips a teasing cross into the box and almost sets up the opening goal but Ivan Perisic misses the ball as he tries to turn it towards the target.

That was a good effort from Croatia.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:10 , Michael Jones

9 mins: This is decent work from Croatia. Brazil haven’t started anywhere near as quickly as they did against South Korea but that is probably down to the more clinical talent in the Croatia team.

Perisic brings the ball down the left wing and swings in a cross but it goes over Mario Pasalic who is the only European inside the penalty area.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:08 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Luka Modric looks to get Croatia up the pitch and flicks a fine pass over to the right wing where Josip Juranovic storms down the line. He brings the ball under control before knocking a diagonal pass over to the opposite side of the box.

Ivan Perisic leaps towards the ball but Eder Militao beats him in the air and wins a free kick as Perisic bungles him to ground with his late arrival.

Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:06 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Chance! Brazil take control of the ball and pass it around confidently forcing Croatia to drop deep into their own half. Vinicius Junior looks to put a cross into the box and knocks over Marcelo Brozovic who blocks the pass.

The ball rebounds back to Vinicius Jr who checks to the right and whips a shot straight into the arms of Dominik Livakovic.

Kick off: Croatia 0-0 Brazil

15:01 , Michael Jones

Croatia get the match started. A World Cup semi-final awaits for the winner of today’s encounter, who will get there?

The ball is sent long and won by the Brazilian backline. They send it up towards Richarlison who knocks the ball out of play trying to bring it under control.

Croatia vs Brazil

14:56 , Michael Jones

The players make their way out onto the pitch at the Education City Stadium and the national anthems are played. First Croatia’s and then Brazil’s.

There’s a loud cheer and a round of applause at the end of Brazil’s national anthem.

All the players look determined and focused. Kick off is up next…

Croatia vs Brazil

14:52 , Michael Jones

Less than 10 minutes to go until kick off now but which way is this game going to go?

Brazil are favourites but Croatia are dogged and will stick in their until the very end.

Brazil’s lucky charm?

14:46 , Michael Jones

Brazil have lost just one of 58 matches in which Neymar has scored. That defeat was a friendly against Germany back in 2011.

Neymar scored a penalty against South Korea last time out. Will he get on the scoresheet once again toady?

(Getty Images)

World Cup: The best moments so far from Lionel Messi magic and shock upsets to group stage drama

14:42 , Michael Jones

And breathe. After 17 days of non-stop football, the World Cup pauses ahead of the quarter-finals in Qatar. Amid controversy and continued human rights concerns surrounding the host country off the pitch, it’s been an exhilarating ride so far on it, with shocks galore and a number of thrilling matches to light up the tournament.

The group stages may be remembered as the most unpredictable ever seen at a World Cup, with Saudi Arabia shocking Argentina, Japan stunning Germany and then Spain, and Tunisia beating the defending champions France. Several of the groups went down to the final day, and in some cases final minutes, setting up a diverse last-16 line-up.

There have been moments of inspiration from star players, including Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, as well as sublime team goals scored by the Netherlands and Brazil. England have also impressed and are the tournament’s top scorers heading into the quarter-finals, with Gareth Southgate’s side facing France on Saturday.

Morocco produced the result of the last-16 as they upset Spain on penalties, and will look to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup when they take on Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo has already made history by becoming the first man to score in five World Cups, while Argentina look to be on a collision course with Brazil in what is Messi’s final World Cup.

Here are some of the best moments of the World Cup so far, as nominated by The Independent’s writers.

World Cup: The best moments so far

Will the game go to extra-time?

14:38 , Michael Jones

In a run going back to Euro 2008, seven of Croatia’s last eight knockout stage games at major tournaments have gone to extra time and they have progressed from all four such games at the World Cup – three via penalty shootout.

Brazil vs Europe

14:34 , Michael Jones

(REUTERS)

(Getty Images)

This World Cup has shown us the most important position in football

14:30 , Michael Jones

The way Gregg Berhalter put it: “We lacked that offensive finishing quality.” As the United States tumbled out of the World Cup, it may have been a more diplomatic, distinctly American way of saying his side needed a striker.

They are not alone in that but Berhalter tried three in four games, attempted an interlude with a false nine, and got a solitary goal from a centre-forward: Haji Wright’s fluke of a finish against the Netherlands. “We don’t have a Memphis Depay right now,” the USA manager concluded.

He was right and they are not alone. If it is a statement of the obvious to say everyone else in the World Cup would want a Kylian Mbappe or a Lionel Messi, plenty would settle for a Depay, a forward with 43 international goals and one who was capable of supplying a clinical touch in a knockout match.

This World Cup has shown us the most important position in football

Brazil vs Europe

14:26 , Michael Jones

Since beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final, Brazil have lost each of their last five World Cup knockout stage games against European nations.

Can the Selecao get another win under their belts today?

Brazil’s attack ‘terrifying’ says Dalic

14:22 , Michael Jones

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic spoke about what he is expecting from today’s quarter-final against Brazil saying:

“What I’ve seen so far, when you take a look at their players, their quality, skills and value, then it is indeed terrifying,

“We need to enter the match with much faith, self-confidence and looking for our chances, enjoy the occasion of playing Brazil, that’s it.”

Croatia vs Brazil

14:17 , Michael Jones

Croatia have lost four of their five World Cup games against South American sides, with the exception being a 3-0 win over Argentina in 2018.

Can they also defeat Brazil this afternoon?

How Richarlison started and finished the most aesthetically pleasing goal of Qatar 2022

14:13 , Michael Jones

We’ve had long-range strikes. Pinpoint free-kicks. Even cheeky scoops. But Richarlison’s goal against South Korea – Brazil’s third in nothing short of a first-half demolition job against the self-sabotaging South Koreans – goes down as the most aesthetically pleasing goal of this World Cup so far. And that’s from a man who scored a scissor kick in the Selecao’s tournament opener.

Amid ghastly defending and positioning from a Korean team whose Qatar adventure collapsed quicker than they could possibly compute, Brazil took their opposition to the cleaners and their performance-level to new heights. And nothing epitomised the purism and panache of Brazilian football than the Tottenham striker’s third goal of the tournament.

As Casemiro looped an innocuous cross into the penalty area, by the standards of the first period the danger level seemed relatively low for South Korea. Headed high but not out, Richarlison scampered back towards the centre of the pitch to try what, frankly, he has made a career out of: launching something out of nothing.

How Richarlison crafted the most eye-catching goal of Qatar 2022

Croatia vs Brazil

14:09 , Michael Jones

The Croatian team check out the pitch at the Education stadium with just under an hour to go until kick off. How will they take on the Brazilians this afternoon?

(Getty Images)

Brazil vs Croatia

14:05 , Michael Jones

Brazil have never lost in four previous meetings with Croatia in all competitions – winning three and drawing once.

(Getty Images)

Tite vows to dance through World Cup in celebration of Brazil’s football ‘culture’

14:01 , Michael Jones

If Brazil are to conquer the world again, it will be as the dancing kings. If, over the decades, the Selecao became a byword for flair and exuberance with the ball at their feet, their willingness to express themselves when the ball is in the net has drawn criticism so far this World Cup. If Richarlison’s overhead kick against Serbia may be the goal of the tournament, Brazil’s quartet of strikes against South Korea became more notable for the rehearsed routines that followed, certainly amid one of the more needless controversies involving events in Qatar.

World Cups can be a place where footballing cultures collide. Brazil’s has tended to earn acclaim, for its aesthetic appeal and entertainment factor, though not from a particularly irascible Irishman whose comments went global. Roy Keane’s predictable reaction and unsurprisingly scathing verdict were designed for an audience of television viewers in the United Kingdom but it made headlines in Brazil. The message from manager Tite was that his side – and even he – will carry on dancing. Keane and other such killjoys may be misunderstanding the Brazilian psyche. Certainly, the favourites to lift the World Cup do not believe their capacity to enjoy goals deflects from their attempts to win it or shows any disrespect to opponents.

“We dance when a goal is scored because it is Brazilian culture,” Tite said. “It is not being disrespectful, that is how we do things as a culture … we will continue doing things in our manner.”

Tite vows to dance through World Cup in celebration of Brazil’s football ‘culture’

Tite and Brazil will continue to dance

13:57 , Michael Jones

Brazil coach Tite says he will not apologise to the people who “do not know Brazilian history and culture” after criticism was sent his player’s way for dancing after scoring goals against South Korea in the last-16.

The 61-year-old even joined in with the celebrations at times.

“It is a connection I have with the younger generation – they could be my grandchildren,” he said. “If I have to dance to be connected with them I will continue to dance.

“I’m not going to apologise when it’s our culture to dance and have fun.”

Brazil’s Alex Sandro on the bench

13:53 , Michael Jones

Alex Sandro is Brazil’s first choice left-back but was substituted off in the 86th minute of their second World Cup Group G match against Switzerland with a muscle problem in his left hip.

He was ruled out for their final group stage match with Cameroon as well as the last-16 clash versus South Korea, with coach Tite admitting yesterday that it was unlikely he would feature against Croatia.

“All indications are towards (Alex Sandro) not participating (in the match against Croatia),” Tite said.

“He has a different injury (than the ankle injury Neymar and Danilo suffered). He still needs to push a little harder, I have to see with the medical and physical department. It will depend on (Thursday) afternoon.”

Sandro has been named on the bench but probably won’t feature unless necessary.

Croatia vs Brazil team changes

13:49 , Michael Jones

Zlatko Dalic makes two changes to the Croatia team that defeated Japan in a penalty shootout last time out. Borna Sosa returns at left back in place of Borna Barisic and Mario Pasalic is given the nod up top ahead of Bruno Petkovic.

Brazil are unchanged.

Croatia vs Brazil line-ups

13:42 , Michael Jones

Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Kramaric, Pasalic, Perisic

Brazil XI: Alisson, Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo, Casemiro, Paqueta, Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison

A clash of styles

13:41 , Michael Jones

Croatia and Brazil could not be more different in their style of play. The Europeans keep a tight shape, try to maintain possession and don’t overcommit men up the pitch in search of a goal prefering instead to secure their own defence and keep clean sheets (if possible).

Brazil, meanwhile, pass the ball fluidly and quickly. They’re pacey out wide and skillfully adept and taking players on. At times versus South Korea they were playing with a 4-2-4 formation to keep the ball inside the final third and none of their attacking players are afraid to shoot.

If Croatia back themselves to keep teams quiet then Brazil back themselves to outscore anyone. It’ll be interesting to see which gameplan comes out on top today.

‘Tremendous’ effort from transitional Croatia

13:37 , Michael Jones

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic says that his team’s World Cup run has been “tremendous”.

Only four of the players who started the defeat to France in the 2018 final were in Dalic’s starting XI against Japan in Monday’s last-16 game.

“This is a new national team. We have 18 new players who were not here four years ago,” said the manager.

“In 2018 we had a national team that had been playing together for 10 years. They were playing in the best leagues and for the best clubs.

“We need time to mature but I believe that for us to be here at this World Cup among the best eight teams in the world is tremendous.”

Brazil team send well wishes to Pele

13:33 , Michael Jones

Brazilian legend Pele, who won the World Cup three times for Brazil, is currently in hospital as he recovers from a respiratory infection and continues treatment for colon cancer.

Following the team’s 4-1 victory over South Korea last time out Neymar carried a banner onto the pitch that he and his team-mates posed with to send a message of support to Pele and his family.

“It’s tough to talk about Pele with what he is going through,“ Neymar told reporters aftwards. “We wish he can get well soon. We hope we made him feel a bit more comfortable with the banner and with the victory.”

(REUTERS)

Croatia prepared to go the distance again to disrupt Brazil’s World Cup rhythm

13:29 , Michael Jones

There is an argument that says Brazil against Croatia is the most imbalanced of the four quarter-finals, that says a World Cup giant should swat aside a small nation punching above its weight without fuss. It could be tempting to jump ahead at this point, to trace the lines and feel a jolt of anticipation at the possibility of Brazil colliding with Argentina in the semi-finals, should all go to form.

But the beauty of a World Cup is that each stage is its own distinct challenge, and for all Brazil’s momentum, Croatia are their first serious test. That is not to disparage those who’ve come before: Serbia and Switzerland made decent fists of their group-stage defeats, Cameroon beat a much-changed XI, before Brazil blitzed South Korea in the last-16. But now there are eight nations left, and Tite’s favourites finally face a battle-hardened team who know exactly what it takes to grind through the knockout rounds.

If this is to be a match of moments, a night lit up by pieces of individual magic, then we already know it will be Brazil’s game, samba-ing their way into the semi-finals. Croatia have a different recipe for success: seven of their past eight knockout ties at major tournaments lasted a full 120 minutes; five of those went to penalties and their past four World Cup knockout wins all went to extra time. If Croatia are going to beat Brazil on Friday night, they will almost certainly need to duck and weave and find a way to last the distance.

Croatia prepared to go the distance again to disrupt Brazil’s World Cup rhythm