Match 57
Croatia v Brazil
Croatia pulled off a stunning upset of Brazil on penalties to secure their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar.
The Vatreni frustrated the five-time world champions for 90 minutes in Al-Rayyan and had goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to thank for a stunning string of saves.
Neymar thought he had assured Brazil victory in the first period of extra-time, having finally breached Croatia’s backline, though Bruno Petkovic’s 117th-minute equaliser ensured it was penalties that would decide the victor.
Livakovic again gave his side the perfect start before a miss from Marquinhos sealed Croatia’s 4-2 victory (1-1 AET) and path to the final four.
Match 58
Netherlands v Argentina
Argentina sealed their place in the semi-finals after downing the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties following a remarkable 2-2 draw.
La Albiceleste were in complete control for much of the contest and jumped out to a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi.
The final 10 minutes of regulation offered up something entirely different, however, with substitute Wout Weghorst snatching a late Dutch double, including one in the 11th minute of stoppage time.
Extra-time could not separate the two sides from then on, before Lautaro Martinez dispatched the winning spot-kick to secure his nation a vital victory.
