How tenacious Croatia executed perfect blueprint to upset Brazil

With many anticipating this to be Luka Modric’s last World Cup match, before extending this famous last dance, the midfield maestro dropped into the space Juranovic left, gaining a vantage point to assess the pitch and typically orchestrating the play from this unusual area.

Dalic’s hope was to attack down Brazil’s right flank with speed, but the potential for these ambitious forrays into the final third depended on just how far Juranovic dared to go.

Neymar in action against Josip Juranovic

The Selecao’s zonal marking with three centre-backs spread across the width of their penalty area ensured Andrej Kramaric and Pasalic could wander across the pitch without Marquinhos or Thiago Silva tempted out of position.

If Croatia were patient, chances for a monumental upset would emerge. And as Pasalic hugged the touchline in the 13th minute and then received the ball from a rampaging Juranovic, the Celtic full-back sent out a warning by penetrating the space between Silva and Marquinhos.

Juranovic ventures forward with Vini Jr high up the pitch and Danilo between midfield and left-back

Juranovic couldn’t get there and Marquinhos failed to spot Ivan Perisic’s belated dash towards the near post in time, but the finish was all wrong.

Pass and move, drive into the space; Croatia were ready to capitalise on Brazil’s overly aggressive formation and thrive in transition.

Brazil remained stubborn to their own gameplan and so Croatia swiftly continued to use the blueprint after the restart. Juranovic continued to dovetail nicely with Pasalic after being set free by the masterful Modric.

Feeding Pasalic on the outside and dragging Brazil across the pitch, the switch was not quite precise enough to Perisic, who controlled and floated a dangerous ball towards the six-yard box. The ball agonisingly close to Kramaric after a belated run into the box, something seldom seen throughout the contest.

Croatia’s gameplan resumes in the second half with Brazil unable to track Juranovic from deep

With any gameplan to topple the favourites, a slice of good fortune is required. Firstly Neymar’s greed inside the box with Vini Jr free to his right for the return ball. Although the flag was raised for offside soon after as panic spread inside the Croatia box.

And then a cruel deflection from Rodrygo’s cross off Josip Gvardiol, which landed kindly to Paqueta, who stabbed towards goal and forced Dominik Livakovic into an excellent save.

Weary legs, as Croatia entered extra-time once more, naturally dimmed hopes of an upset, although Bruno Petkovic’s fancy footwork and a cool head to slide the ball right to Marcelo Brozovic offered a glorious chance. Spurned as the Inter Milan midfielder fired into the stands, the game soon exploded. First through Neymar’s sublime opener with glorious interplay and a ruthless finish into the roof of the net.

Croatia’s Bruno Petkovic celebrates scoring

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But you simply cannot dismiss this Croatia side, who are cold inside and steadfast in their belief one more chance will come. And so it did. Petkovic sweeping home with the ball spinning up and past Alisson after Marquinhos’ deflection.

It was merely a preview to the horror show that would follow, as Marquinhos froze, hitting a post to ensure Croatia’s legacy lives on.

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