Croatia – Brazil

Croatia can avoid defeat against the World Cup favourites

Croatia face Brazil on Friday 09 December. Tite's side justify their title as the tournament's main favourites. The team finished in first place in the group stage, losing their third match. In the final game, the coach fielded a reserve team. That had an impact on the outcome of the meeting with Cameroon. Otherwise, Brazil had a huge lead over Serbia and Switzerland. With the Cheers, it was an exemplary match. Without Neymar, the Brazilians had difficulties in penetrating a tight and organised defence. They scored only in the final minutes, thanks to the efforts of Casemiro. In contrast, the 1/8 final match against South Korea was a concert. The Koreans fell apart in the first half. By the 36th minute, Brazil had a colossal lead, scoring four goals. The second half turned into a formality. South Korea's defeat can be misleading. Still, the opposition was relatively weak, and Brazil have yet to face top teams in this tournament. The only organised opponent caused problems. Also, the Brazilians have some difficulty with injuries. Neymar has recovered, but still cannot play at one hundred percent as he did before the World Cup. The team lost an important rotation player, Jesus, for the rest of the tournament. There is now no one to replace Risharlison in the centre-forward role. Additionally, edge defender Telles is out. Croatia have not shown anything outstanding in Qatar. The team could have been eliminated in the group stage. "The Checkers were no stronger than Morocco, thrashed Canada and narrowly missed out on a goal against Belgium. The match against Japan in the play-offs turned out to be very agonising. The Asian team did not concede to the favourites in key statistical indicators. Croatia have played very cautiously in the play-offs in recent major tournaments. Almost all the matches end in extra time. The national team has its trump cards. First of all, an experienced middle line, with a powerful triangle of Modric, Brozovic and Kovačić. Guardiola looks very solid in the centre of defence. He is an unqualified candidate for the tournament's symbolic squad so far. Such a defender could be a big problem for Brazil. The bookmakers predictably favour the South American team, but the odds are too high. The odds on Croatia are almost 10.00. That's overkill for a World Cup quarter-final and a match against a past vice-champion. Croatia should avoid a rout.