Brazil thought it had done enough to overcome Croatia’s resistance in extra time, but the 2018 runner-up continues to show that its makeup is truly special.
Croatia hasn’t won a World Cup knockout match in regulation since 1998. It’s rarely picked to do anything other than be a “tough out” at major tournaments. Perhaps it’s time those expectations are reconsidered.
The 2018 runner-up dumped consensus favorite and world No. 1 Brazil out of the World Cup on Friday, coming back from a goal down in extra time and outlasting the Seleção in penalty kicks (4–2) following a 1–1 draw, winning a second consecutive shootout—for a second straight World Cup—to return to the semifinals.