On 9 December 2022, Brazil took on Croatia in the Education City Stadium in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. It was the first quarter-final clash of this tournament. Brazil came to this clash after a thrashing 4-1 victory over South Korea. On the other hand, Croatia defeated Japan in a penalty shootout.
So, the stage was set for an enthralling battle between these sides. All eyes were on big-name players like Neymar and Modric. In the last four meetings between these sides, Brazil never lost any matches. They managed to win three games while one game ended as a draw. So, Brazil fans were hoping for another dominant performance from Neymar and his men.
Neymar has now scored the same number of goals for Brazil as their legendary player Pele
Croatia started the game on a better note as they got a chance in the 13th minute. Ivan Perisic had a shot at the goal. But, his effort went wide of the left post. Then, in the 20th minute, Vinicius Jr. hit a curving ball toward the goal. However, Croatia’s defender, Josko Gvardiol came up with a block to prevent him from scoring. In the following minute, Neymar tried a shot after cutting inside from the left flank. But, Croatia’s goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic made a comfortable save. In the 30th minute, Perisic had another shot but his effort went over the bar. Thus, the first half ended 0-0. In the second half, Neymar and his men started the game with more attacking threats. Brazil got a chance in the 48th minute and the ball was going into the net by getting deflected to Gvardiol.
But, Dominik Livakovic showed great reflex to save that effort. Livakovic denied Neymar once again with a great reflex save in the 55th minute. After that, in the 66th minute, Lucas Paqueta got a loose ball to convert into the goal. But, Livakovic came up with another big save to deny Brazil. However, Brazil created several chances but no goals were scored as the game ended 0-0 after 90 minutes. However, Neymar managed to break the deadlock in the 105+1′ minute and Brazil took a 1-0 lead. With that goal, Neymar scored his 77th goal for Brazil. Now, he is at the same number as the former Brazilian star, Pele.
Here is how fans have reacted to the goal of Neymar against Croatia:
The pressure that has been on Neymar since his days at Santos and he stepped up like that wow
— ??? (@razor10i) December 9, 2022
Well done Neymar! that was a brilliant goal & you came through when your team & country needed you most??
— Piccalily? (@Piccalily_) December 9, 2022
@elonmusk you watching the World Cup? Neymar just scored
— ibra (@createdbyibra) December 9, 2022
Neymar you are the greatest ?
— 2304 (@tlotIo) December 9, 2022
That's good from Neymar to brighten Brazil in semi final.
— John Kamanda (@JohnKam34595267) December 9, 2022
Cool and composed, neymar jr.?
— AdeeGoesWild?? (@adrian_chetty8) December 9, 2022
100% NEYMAR
— gio (@gnvcnt) December 9, 2022
Neymar with the coolest goal of the World Cup so far perhaps
— Isabelle (@uptopar13) December 9, 2022
