AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — When it comes all the way down to a penalty shootout on the World Cup, depend on Croatia to make it via.Twice already on the event in Qatar and twice 4 years in the past in Russia, the Croats needed to metal themselves for one of many hardest — and positively one of many cruelest — exams in soccer.They received all 4 of them.The newest shootout knocked five-time champion Brazil out of the World Cup on Friday. Croatia received 4-2 after a 1-1 draw via further time.“We’ve got demonstrated what Croatia is, what the Croatia staff is,” mentioned Zlatko Dalić, the coach who led the squad via all 4 of these shootouts. “We’re a small nation and we received towards the best favorites on the World Cup.”Neymar and his teammates ought to have recognized what was coming at Training Metropolis Stadium.Croatia wanted penalties to beat Denmark within the spherical of 16 4 years in the past, then defeated host Russia by the identical means within the quarterfinals earlier than ultimately dropping to France in regulation time within the last. This yr, Japan was despatched dwelling within the spherical of 16 after 1-1 draw earlier than Brazil adopted in yet one more shootout.Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic obtained issues began on Friday, saving the opening penalty try from Rodrygo. Croatia transformed all 4 of its penalty kicks, with captain Luka Modric third in line.It got here all the way down to Marquinhos to maintain Brazil within the event however he hit the put up earlier than dropping to his knees, crestfallen.“We’re raised as fighters, giving our greatest,” Livakovic mentioned. ”And that’s the recipe for fulfillment.”Livakovic had made a number of key saves all through the match, however Neymar gave Brazil the lead on the finish of the primary half of additional time. Croatia substitute Bruno Petkovic equalized within the 117th minute.That was a key purpose, no query, however Livakovic was the important thing participant.“He was the distinction in essential moments that saved us,” Dalić mentioned. “He saved the primary penalty and gave us confidence and a insecurity for the rival as a result of they have been afraid he would save them once more. He made a distinction via the entire match.”___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___