The 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matchup between Brazil and Croatia promises to be an exciting affair for soccer fans around the world. Two of the world’s most exciting and talented teams will go head-to-head in the first quarterfinal match of the tournament, and it promises to be an epic battle. Brazil is undoubtedly the favorite to advance, but Croatia has the talent and determination to pull off the upset. Let’s take a look at Brazil and Croatia match preview focusing on both teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and what to expect when they meet on the field.
Where is Brazil vs Croatia match?
Brazil and Croatia will face each other in the first match of the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, December 9, at 6 pm local time and 9 pm Bangladesh time at Education City Stadium.
Brazil’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
Brazil had a great start in the World Cup 2022, except for an upset caused by Cameroon. However, they have shown excellency against South Korea in the round of 16 with a 4-1 victory. Vinicius Jr., Neymar, Richarlison, and Lucas Paqueta helped the team with one goal each. And with that smooth win, they have sailed to the quarterfinals, which will be played against Croatia.
Read More: Can Brazil Win the FIFA World Cup for the 6th Time?
So far, Brazil has lost only one game in this World Cup, and it was against Cameroon. In fact, it was Selecao’s first loss in 19 International games.
This will be Brazil’s 17th quarterfinal appearance in the World Cup tournament. However, Brazil’s recent quarterfinal outcomes are not satisfactory. They lost three of the last four competitions in 2006, 2010, and 2018 against France, Netherlands, and Belgium, respectively.
In other group stage matches, Brazil pulled victory over Serbia by 2-0 and Switzerland by 1-0. Richarlison and Casemiro scored in those matches.
While Brazil has a few injured players, fortunately, Neymar is back after missing the last two group-stage matches. And Danilo was also back from injury. However, Alex Relles and Gabriel Jesus will not appear in the rest of the World Cup as they suffered an injury in the last group stage match against Cameroon. Alex Sandro could potentially return after he missed the round of 16 game.
Brazil’s players to watch: Neymar, Richarlison, Vinicius Jr
Brazil’s players carrying yellow cards: Fred, Eder Militao, Bruno Guimaraes.
Croatia’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
Although Croatia was the 2018 World Cup runner-up, this season, their journey is not that smooth so far. They won only one group stage match, which was against Canada by a 4-1 goal. The other two matches were a draw. Also, their round of 16 matches against Japan was also a draw, but they pulled to victory by penalty.
However, captain Luka Modric and the Croatia team have been very consistent in this tournament. And Brazil may find it tough to beat them. In all their games in this World Cup, Croatia kept around 55% possession on average. So, if they can keep this with Brazil, they might get chances to keep pressure on Brazil.
Currently, Croatia is dealing with one injury issue. Josip Stanisic missed the last game against Japan due to a muscle injury, and he could miss the quarterfinals as well. Although Borna Sosa missed the game, too, he will be available against Brazil.
Croatia’s players to watch: Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Bruno Petković
Croatia’s players carrying yellow cards: Dejan Lovren, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Borna Barisic.
Probable starting squad of Brazil vs Croatia Quarter-final Match
Brazil: Alisson Becker, Eder Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Richarlison.
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
Brazil vs Croatia Match Result Prediction
World Cup 2022 performance as well as the past meeting suggest that Brazil will win the game. Also, different experts picked Brazil. According to Opta Analyst’s match prediction model, Brazil has 68.2%. Chance to win the game, while Croatia has only 11.5%. However, 20.3% chance of a draw, and the result is to decide by a penalty shootout.
Final Words
Brazil is the favorite to win, but Croatia is more than capable of upsetting the odds. The key will be which team can take advantage of their opportunities and which team can prevent the other from doing so. No matter the outcome, the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup Quarter-final Brazil vs Croatia match should be a great display of football.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Quarter Final Overview