FIFA: Croatia Beats Brazil 4-2

Photo: FOX Sports

DOHA, Qatar — It was a close match, and a tough end for the pre-tournament favorites Croatia and Brazil. But it all came down to Croatia's Bruno Petkovic's getting the equalizer in the 117th minute! Which left a visibly heartbroken Neymar as he tearfully sat down with his teammates trying to console him. Brazil's loss resulted in at least 24 years of the country going without a championship title. The dry spell has 30-year-old Neymar in a position similar to his former teammate Lionel Messi, for being the star of a country's generation without a top international title. 

Photo: CNN

What makes the loss even greater is that during the match, it looked as if Neymar would be the hero as he broke a scoreless tie with a wild goal in extra time. Brazil was the top-ranked team at the World Cup with an incredible array of talent, with the likes of Neymar and Vinícius Jr. lighting up the tournament. Neymar's efforts seemed as if it was his night, his time, his talents that would propel Brazil into the semifinals of the World Cup, although it was Croatia who came on top after 4-2 penalty kick shootout. The Croatians immediately celebrated following a blown penalty kick from Brazil star Marquinhos, who missed the crucial spot-kick in the shootout, hitting the post. Croatian colors flooded the field as they celebrated their victory. In response, a devasted Brazil team immediately fell to the ground in disappointment realizing their journey had come to an end.  

Photo: Indian Press

“We never surrendered. Never keeping our head down. We are a really a small country but today we showed that we are big,” said Croatian star, Dejan Lovren. 

Many fans wondered why it was not Neymar who took the penalty instead if Marquinhos. The fact was Neymar was queued up to take his side’s next penalty but was denied the opportunity after the damming miss by Marquoinhos. When asked, Brazil manager, Tite explained that he wanted the "better" player to take the penalty with "more pressure." 

Despite Tite’s efforts, the Brazil manager also confirmed that he would be stepping down from the role.

He added: "It was a painful defeat, but I’m at peace with myself. It’s the end of the cycle."

It's indeed an end of a cycle for Brazil but for Croatia it's just beginning as they will face Argentina in Tuesday's match in Qatar!

We will be front and center, stay tuned!