Luka Modric and Croatia did the unthinkable — knock out World Cup favorites Brazil within the quarter-finals. Every of Actual Madrid’s three Brazilian’s characteristic within the match, with notes on their play under:
Eder Militao
Militao was as soon as once more plugged in on the proper again place attributable to type and accidents throughout the Brazil squad. In his earlier two outings in that spot, Militao was underwhelming and supplied restricted assist within the last third. His match towards Croatia was totally different — he was a titan within the again and improved his on-ball efficiency.
Croatia, particularly within the first half, regarded to use the weakside and hit diagnol or crossfield passes to Perisic. Militao expertly defended these switches, managing to get a headed clearance or a final ditch sliding deal with to stop additional hazard. Perisic and Sosa have been a tough tandem to include for many groups, however Militao managed to maintain each comparatively quiet.
On the ball, Militao created a few of Brazil’s most harmful alternatives with low pushed crosses from the byline. He was closely concerned with 102 touches and was a shock substitute
within the one hundred and fifth minute.
Militao ended the match with the next statistics:
3 accomplished tackles
2 interceptions
3 photographs blocked
102 touches
70 passes (92% PA)
Vinicius Junior
The electrical left winger was not capable of make the identical impression as in earlier matches with Croatia’s proper again, Josip Juranovic, having one of many video games of his life. Juranovic was capable of sustain with Vini’s pace on multiple event and was ever-present within the attacking third. Vinicius was restricted to a mere 21 touches and eight passes, Brazil didn’t get him concerned. 4 Croatian gamers: Juranovic, Lovren, Modric, and Brozovic all clogged the area of the Brazilian and blocked off passing lanes to disclaim Vinicius or Neymar receiving in harmful areas. Vinicius was changed by Rodrygo within the sixty fourth minute and might be dissapointed along with his sport.
Questions will nonetheless be requested of Tite, particularly for changing a participant like Vinicius Junior. As Madrid followers have seen previously, even when Vini is quiet he can pop up with a sport profitable purpose or help at any second. He has that celebrity high quality and people gamers don’t come off the pitch in do-or-die matches.
Rodrygo
Rodrygo was a direct swap for Vinicius on the left wing. He was way more concerned than his Actual Madrid teammate and had greater than double the touches and passes in about 10 minutes much less of sport time. It was Rodrygo’s motion from the left wing to a central place after which a fast one-two with Neymar that helped create the purpose for Brazil. His tactical consciousness to regularly transfer centrally as Danilo went vast, created a numerical superiority in zone 14 for Neymar to maneuver and mix.
Regardless of his sturdy displaying within the second half and in further time, Rodrygo might be marked by one second: he missed the opening penalty for Brazil within the shoot-out. At 21-years-old, he was the primary to step up for Brazil however second bought to him. Rodrygo’s penalty was saved by the excellent Livakovic. As Modric advised the teenager post-game, this second will solely make him stronger. Vinicius and Rodrygo could have rabid starvation in 2026.