Croatia host favourites Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup at the Education City Stadium
Preview
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic described their World Cup quarterfinal opponents Brazil as “terrifying” after the five-times champion thrashed South Korea 4-1 to send a clear message to its rivals.
Brazil, however, could be even stronger in Friday’s last-eight clash with the 2018 runners-up as left-back Alex Sandro should be available, and it will be close to full strength after several injury problems.
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Tite is hoping to field his first-choice team against Croatia with full-backs Danilo and Sandro in their natural positions, sending versatile centre-back Eder Militao back to the substitutes’ bench after impressive performances.
After overcoming Japan on penalties on Monday following a 1-1 draw after extra time, Croatia faces the huge task of facing Brazil and its five-man attack, which blew away South Korea with four first-half goals.
Led by the experienced Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, the 2018 finalist arrived in Qatar as one of the oldest teams.
There are concerns about the fitness and form of key stalwarts after the gruelling 120- minute game against Japan.
Kick-off – 16: 00 G.M.T
Venue – Education City Stadium.
Team news
Croatia duo Borna Sosa and Josip Stanisic both missed the win over Japan due to illness and a muscle injury respectively.
The former should be available to return and could replace Borna Barisic at left-back, while the latter remains doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Dalic is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting lineup, with midfield maestros Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic all expected to retain their places on Friday – both Modric and Kovacic are just one booking away from suspension along with Barisic and Dejan Lovren.
As for Brazil, they will be without Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles, who is ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with knee injuries, while Tite has revealed that Alex Sandro is unlikely to feature as he continues to recover from a hip problem.
Sandro’s Juventus teammate Danilo is therefore set to continue at left-back, joining Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Eder Militao in the back four.
Croatia predicted lineup:
Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
Brazil predicted lineup:
Alisson; Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison
Latest odds
Brazil is a huge favourite to win the quarter-final tie and progress to the next round at odds of 4/11 (1.36) with bet365.
Croatia is the outsider to win the game in 90 minutes at odds of 8/1 (9.00) while the draw is priced at 15/4 (4.75).
