Croatia vs Brazil, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Croatia vs Brazil Match Prediction & Analysis

Brazil turned on the style in their Round of 16 clash with South Korea, letting the Asian nation feel the full force of their talents as the South Americans danced their way to a 4-1 victory.

Up until that game, they had looked great in moments, rather than the usual fluid Brazil that we all know and love. Perhaps now they have finally arrived in style.

They have their sights set on lifting the trophy in just over a week’s time, but they know that they’ll face three tough tests along the way, starting with this one.

Croatia have been one of the most dependable teams in the world over the past four years or so. Although they don’t often play the same scintillating brand of football as the Brazilians, they find a way to win games.

Against Japan, that way was via a penalty shootout, which went in their favour by three shots to one. It may have concerned them that they couldn’t get past Japan in normal time, however, especially with Brazil next up.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Croatia Preview

FIFA Ranking: 12

Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have a knack of winning important games

     Just one defeat from their last 20 matches in all competitions

Reasons to be fearful:

     Four of their last five World Cup games have gone to extra time

     Modric, Kovacic, Barisic and Lovren are one booking away from a suspension

It seems that you can never write Croatia off at major tournaments, having reached this stage at successive World Cups – in 2018, they went all the way to the final, of course.

They are used to doing things the hard way at this level. Seven of their last eight knockout games have gone to extra time, including four of the last five at World Cups. Three of those have gone Croatia’s way on penalties.

We’re talking about the barest of margins here, but you cannot say that Croatia haven’t deserved their success, given the quality they have among their ranks.

Croatia’s problem, other than how fantastic Brazil are, will be the players who need to avoid a booking here to escape missing the Semi Final. Four of their players, including Modric, could miss out if carded.

You would expect Croatia to see plenty of the ball, given their quality in midfield, but it’s how they use it to their advantage that’s the question.

Star Man – Luca Modric

If this is to be his last World Cup game, then you’d like to see Modric go out in style. While Brazil may have the upper hand in terms of quality, Modric can still consider himself one of the best in his position.

Brazil Preview

FIFA Ranking: 1

Predicted Finish: Winners

Reasons to be cheerful

     4-1 win over South Korea was scintillating

     Neymar, Richarlison, Raphinha and Vinicius are in fabulous form

Reasons to be fearful

     Have been knocked out at this stage at three of the last four World Cups

     Lost each of their last five knockout matches against European opposition

Brazil are firing on all cylinders at just the right time, it seems.

They have entertained us in patches throughout the World Cup so far, with Richarlison scoring a goal-of-the-tournament contender, Casemiro executing a brilliant volley and some all-round tricks and flicks.

It was in their Round of 16 game against South Korea, however, that the fireworks came out. Four goals within the first 36 minutes showcased their unmatched attacking firepower at this tournament, showing why they remain the team to beat.

They don’t have a great record at this stage of the competition in recent times, it must be said. They’ve fallen at the Quarters in three of the last four World Cups, although their squad is far better this time around.

Manager Tite has a collection of some of the finest players in the world available to him, and it would be a huge shock if they were to fall again at the last-eight hurdle.

Star Man – Neymar

Has just the one goal so far, but if Brazil are to go all the way in this tournament, then their talisman will have plenty to say about it. His natural ability remains at the very highest level of world football.