On the far side of the field, Croatia’s delirious sprints in every direction coalesced around goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who had saved Rodrygo’s penalty and forced Marquinhos to try to cut his razor close.
Croatia, the team that will not be beaten, will face the winner of Friday’s second game between Argentina and the Netherlands in the semifinals next week. Block out some extra time for it if you plan to watch.
Brazil cannot say it didn’t try everything to win. When Vinícius Júnior and Richarlison and Raphina couldn’t find a way past Livakovic, Antony and Rodrygo and Pedro were sent on to try. When Neymar finally found a way through, the lead lasted only about 15 minutes. The pressure returned. The exit door loomed.
Croatia’s shootout was as clinical as its broader performance was methodical. Nikola Vlasic went left. Lavro Majer went down the middle. Luka Modric shot high. Mislav Orsic shot low.
When, a moment later, Marquinhos pinged his attempt solidly off the left post, the field was quickly awash in colors of people still trying to sort out what had just happened. The Brazilians, the favorites dressed in their famous yellow shirts, staggered around or stood in place or sat off to the side, resigned to the fact that the country will now wait another four years to add to its record haul of five World Cup titles.
Croatia’s red-and-white-checked celebration was everywhere by then, a haphazard sea of flags and hugs and shirtless men and running children scattered around the field. One of Modric’s children leaped into his arms. Lovren took one if his by the hand for a walk. And in the center of the field, Leonardo and Manuela Perisic, the children of Croatia forward Ivan Perisic, made a bee line for the center circle, toward Neymar, who was then wrapped in a teary embrace with a teammate.
A Brazil staff member stepped in to head off Leonardo, extending an arm to suggest it might not be the right time. But Leonardo had caught Neymar’s eye, and the Brazilian turned toward him. The boy and the superstar clasped hands. They exchanged a fast word. Then they parted, the boy running off with his sister, back to the Croatian celebrations. Neymar soon headed to the locker room, toward another long wait.
James Wagner contributed reporting from Al Rayyan, and André Spigariol from Brasilia.
Source : NYtimes
