Croatia took on Brazil on Friday 9 December, at the Education City Stadium. A win for Croatia sees the end of Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending six-time championship. The Brazilians were devastated as they came to terms with their World Cup exit. 

The Croatians secured a 4-2 victory on penalties after the game ended in a 1 all draw. Dominik Livakovic, Croatia goalkeeper, stunned as he denied Brazil multiple chances. During the game he denied Brazilian Neymar on several occasions and the penalties proved no different as Brazil only managed 2 of their 5 chances while Croatia claimed 4. 

Later yesterday evening, Argentina took on the Netherlands and in yet another game surpassing extra time on a draw, the Argentines managed to win on penalties. The game ended in a 2-all draw followed by the penalty shoot outs ending in a 4-3 win to Argentina.

This sees the end of the Netherland’s World Cup campaign. The Netherlands and Argentina have faced each other in four previous World Cups in which each team has secured 2 victories, until now, Argentina holds 3 wins out of the 5 clashes. 

With their respective wins, Croatia and Argentina are set to advance to the semi-finals in which only one of the two teams will advance and further their World Cup campaign.

The second round of quarter-finals are set to take place today, the 10th of December with Morocco set to face Portugal at 17:00 followed by England vs the reigning champions, France, at 21:00.

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport