You can never exaggerate what a big heart Croatian players have. It doesn't matter if they concede a goal first in the extra time or have to go through a penalty shoot-out in two straight games. They just go to the field, defend, attack and then win.
After Brazil lost, Neymar was sitting on the ground with tears in his eyes. It was simply too much for him to exit the World Cup like this. His form was growing better and better. The game ended even before it was his turn to shoot a penalty.
Lionel Messi and Argentina almost went through the same against the Netherlands. The first 73 minutes of the game couldn't be more perfect for them, but the Dutchmen spent the following 28 minutes tying the score and telling their opponents nothing should be taken for granted.
In the end, Lautaro Martinez, who kept missing goals in previous competitions, granted himself salvation and sent Argentina to the semifinals by making the game-winning penalty.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic of Croatia blocks a shot by Rodrygo of Brazil during the penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals at the Education City Stadium in Qatar, December 9, 2022. /CFP
Neymar of Brazil sits on the field after losing to Croatia in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals at the Education City Stadium in Qatar, December 9, 2022. /CFP
Wout Weghorst (#19) of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring a goal in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, December 9, 2022. /CFP
Lautaro Martinez (#22) of Argentina celebrates after making the game-winning penalty in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against the Netherlands at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, December 9, 2022. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Josh McNally
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei