Today, Friday (4 p.m./Servus-TV), the Brazilians who last played magic awaited the first real endurance test on the way to their sixth title at the World Cup with Croatia. The favored Selecao would like to shine again in the duel with the runner-up world champion with spectacular and effective offensive football and consequently present numerous celebrations. The Croatians showed great respect for Neymar and Co.
National coach Zlatko Dalic even described Brazil as “terrifying” after the five-time world champions had put on an impressive gala in the 4-1 round of 16 against South Korea. In the first half in particular (4:0), the Selecao impressed with their enthusiasm, interesting combinations and efficiency. The recovered Neymar performed at his best and should also be the key figure in the Brazilian star ensemble in the quarter-finals. For national coach Tite, the superstar is the “technical leader” of his team. “Every player has an outstanding quality, he is the center who makes the others even better,” emphasized Brazil’s team boss, who will probably have to do without his regular left-back Alex Sandro against Croatia. The defender, who has a hip injury, has completed final training, “but the tendency is that he can’t be there,” said Tite. As a result, Danilo is likely to return to the left-back position, with regular centre-back Eder Militao slipping back into the role of right-back.
In addition to Neymar, Richarlison and Vinicius Junior also want to score goals and thus also provide more dancing performances. The unusual celebration of the Brazilians recently triggered some criticism and led to numerous discussions. However, Vinicius Jr. insisted that he and his teammates will not stop dancing after scoring. “It’s an expression of happiness and part of Brazilian culture,” said the Real Madrid legionnaire.
Brazil is contesting the eighth World Cup quarter-finals in a row, the South Americans were world champions in 1994 and 2002 and runners-up in 1998. After the last title, the Selecao only reached the semi-finals once (2014). Brazil have been unbeaten in four previous encounters with Croatia, two of which have been at a World Cup, with the Selecao prevailing 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 as hosts in the opening game in 2014. Back then there was a Neymar swallow that resulted in a penalty hit.
According to Croatia coach Dalic, the Selecao are “the strongest and best national team at the World Cup”, but the checkers still see a chance. “It’s not a fifty-fifty game, but we’re not underdogs either. We’ll try to be good,” said Dalic. Full-back Borna Sosa reported fit again in good time, and up front Marko Livaja could return to the starting eleven in place of the recently weak Bruno Petkovic. For 37-year-old Luca Modric, who was the best player in the tournament four years ago, it could be the last game on the big World Cup stage. “If you have a recipe for me on how to stay young, please give it to me,” replied the Croatia captain in view of the 2026 finals.