Croatia players are grateful to the goalkeeper
"Livakovic always makes things easier for us when defending the goal," Petkovic said after the win at Education City on December 9. "It was a difficult game and many players had cramps at the end of the game. But we showed faith and bravery. That's how Croatia can achieve everything."
The first quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup was even, until Neymar shone with a dribble past the goalkeeper and then shot the roof of Croatia at the end of the first extra time. In the 117th minute, Mislav Orsic stretched across for Petkovic to kick one touch and hit the Brazilian player to change direction, causing Alisson Becker to give up.
In the brainstorming series, Livakovic was once again a hero for Croatia when he blocked Rodrygo's first kick, creating a good psychological momentum for his teammates to successfully shoot all four first rounds. Croatia did not need a fifth shot, when Marquinhos sent the ball to the post, causing Brazil to lose 2-4.
Petkovic emphasized that the equalizer against Brazil was the most valuable goal of his career and could not find words to describe his feelings. "My father Jakov always said that I would score. Maybe it would be better if I listened to him more often. I felt a burning sensation in my body," added the 28-year-old striker.
Orsic - who created Petkovic to equalize - also praised Livakovic as Croatia's hero when he saved many delicious Brazilian opportunities. Before pushing Rodrygo's penalty, Livakovic made 11 saves in 120 minutes, including 7 shots from inside the box. "Thanks to Livakovic's saves, we maintain hope," Orsic emphasized.
Sharing the views of his teammates, Lovro Majer praised Livakovic and the defense for nullifying Brazil's all-star attack to help Croatia win deservedly. Majer came on in the second extra time, and successfully scored the penalty in the second.
According to Majer, Croatia now has experience and bravery on the 11m mark thanks to defeating Japan along with a historic journey at the 2018 World Cup. In Russia four years ago, Croatia defeated Denmark 3-2 in the round of 16, respectively. , Russia 4-3 in the quarterfinals when entering the penalty shootout, then beat England 2-1 in extra time in the semi-finals.
"We will focus on each game, and if everything goes according to plan, Croatia can win the 2022 World Cup," Majer said confidently. "When Marquinhos took the penalty and hit the post, I was overwhelmed by a feeling that I can't explain. It's never happened to me."
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic praised the team's spirit of not giving up. "Croatia is at its strongest when in trouble and we showed it again today," the Chelsea midfielder said. "We conceded a goal at the end of the game but we still came back. Even when we were behind, Croatia kept trying and trying to the end."
Croatia will meet Argentina - the team also defeated the Netherlands on penalties - in the semi-finals at Lusail Stadium at 2pm on December 14, Hanoi time.
