Croatia advances to the World Cup semi-finals after a penalty shootout victory.
Brazil, a football fan favourite that has won the World Cup five times, gained an advantage when Neymar scored the opening goal in extra time. Neymar’s goal was the 77th of his career, tying him with football legend Pelé for the most international goals scored by a Brazilian player.
Croatia went on the offensive in the second half of extra time and in the 117th minute, forward Mislav Oršić cross passed to the middle to Bruno Petković, who scored the equaliser. Croatia wins 4-2 on penalties. Croatia, a finalist in the last World Cup, advances to the semi-finals. Croatia will face the winner of the match between Argentina and the Netherlands. The quarter-final between Brazil and Croatia was held at the Education City Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Malini is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Auckland.