Be Afraid; Be Very Afraid of Brazil! The Selecào Form Hit Crescendo As they Progress to the Quarter Final of Qatar 2022 World Cup

 

Brazil laid down a daunting marker to their fellow World Cup 2022 contenders on Day 16 with an outstanding performance to progress to the quarter-finals. 

South Korea were 4-0 down - and it could've been more - by the break, only for the Asians to pull one back in the second half. 

While the Selecào dazzled and dominated all through the proceedings, you can't but admire the team play and clinical finishing.

Brazil Have to be the Clear Favourites Now

They were tipped for success from the outset, but Brazil are starting to look unstoppable in Qatar. It may only have been South Korea, but this was a night in which everything clicked into place. 

Richarlison kept up his scoring form, Vinicius Jnr bagged a rare goal, the defence looked composed and Neymar's return was scintillating. Many football fans had been worried that the ankle injury he sustained in the group stage would limit his impact, but he proved any doubters wrong. The samba dance moved came out early as Brazil breezed into the last eight. 

Next up, they face Croatia. You'd want exceptional odds to dare bet against them making the semis in this kind of form. 

Brazil vs Croatia

Croatia is one team that has the capacity to date any team in the world, just the way they sent packing the almost perfect Japanese side. For once, may pundits began to look the way of Japan to spring a surprise win in Qatar.

 

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Croatia edged it on spot kicks thanks to three saves from goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic - ending a remarkable giant-killing campaign from the Samurai Blue. 

Croatia Love to go Beyond 90 minutes

As disappointing as it was to see Japan’s giant-killing streak come to an end, the manner of their defeat can’t have come as much of a surprise to those familiar with Croatia’s recent history.

This was the seventh time in Croatia’s last eight major tournament knockout games that extra-time was required.

The only exception was their defeat in the 2018 World Cup final against France, so this was far from uncharted territory for Zlatko Dalic’s side.

Once it got to penalties, Croatia won their third consecutive World Cup shoot-out – a record that is only bettered at the tournament by Germany (obviously) who have won four out of four.

Brazil must have to finish the quarter final game at regulation time or the world will be in for another surprise from this Croatian side.