Casemiro hurt by the quarter-final loss to Croatia
Brazil saw their campaign at the 2022 Qatar World Cup brought to a close on Friday evening. The Seleção Canarinho seemed on their way to the semi-final but will have to wait another four years to try and win the trophy they last won in 1994. One of the top players in the team lamented they lost to the 1998 finalists.
Casemiro was in severe pain following the loss to Croatia. Brazil suffered a penalty-shootout loss to Croatia, and the former Real Madrid midfielder bemoaned how they let a semi-final ticket slip from their grasp. Brazil had gotten the lead in the final minute of the first half extra time before a late leveller forced the game to penalties.
The loss to Croatia means that Brazil have lost each of their last six knockout ties in FIFA’s top tournament against European teams. The latest loss left Casemiro short of words, as poor game management after they got their goal cost them the game.
Rodrygo and Marquinhos were unsuccessful in the shoot-out – the former denied by the outstanding Dominik Livakovic – as Croatia advanced to the World Cup semi-finals for just the third time.
Casemiro said all defeats are painful, especially when you have the lead. He added that it is hard to find words to describe the pain in the team.
How Brazil lost
The first half was tough for Brazil. They struggled to get a foothold on the game as Croatia, led by captain Luka Modric, dictated the pace. They controlled affairs and made Brazil look ordinary. The Real Madrid midfielder and one-time Ballon d’Or winner looked youthful as he made Brazil chase the game.
Brazil came out smoking in the second half and forced Croatia on the back foot. Despite the dominance of Brazil in possession and the chances created, Croatia continued to look dangerous.
The first goal came late in the first half of extra time. After a flowing move by Brazil, Neymar found himself with the goalkeeper. He rounded Dominik Livakovic before slamming it into the net.
Croatia found a route back in the second and scored an equalizer with five minutes left on the clock. The European side thus booked a date with Argentina in the semi-final.
Casemiro said it was a sad moment for the team, but life must go on. Casemiro may still make it to the next World Cup, as he will turn 34. Thiago Silva knows this is his last tournament, as he is already 38.
