The quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup begin with a crunch fixture pitting Croatia against Brazil on Friday at 4 p.m.
Brazil has the nod to get a ticket into the last four according to bookies. Having qualified first in Group G with six points, the Seleçao led by Tite then brushed aside South Korea in the round of 16s via a 4-1 margin, in what was considered ‘a statement victory’ courtesy goals from Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta .
Skipper, Thiago Silva and co are up against 2018 beaten finalists Croatia this time. Second in group F with five points, behind Morocco and ahead of Belgium, the side marshalled by Zlatko Dalic won its ticket for the quarter-finals by overcoming Japan (1-1, 3-1 on penalties).
Stunned at the break on a goal from Daizen Maeda, the Croats leveled through Ivan Perisic in the second half.
Going into this one, the Europeans could be deprived of the services of Borna Sosa and Josip Stanisic, who were absent in the round of 16 against Japan.
Brazil will have to deal with the absences of Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus. The defender and the striker are out for the rest of the competition due to a knee injury picked against Cameroon, in the last day of the group stage. There’s equally a doubt around the participation of Alex Sandro, who has a hip Injury.
The probable line-up of Croatia
Livakovic – Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa – Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric – Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic.
Coach: Zlatko Dalic.
The probable line up of Brazil
Alisson – Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo – Casemiro, Paqueta – Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr – Richarlison.
