Brazil go away the World Cup after one other debacle

DOHA: Brazil chalked up one other disappointing World Cup efficiency as they exited the event in a shocking quarter-final defeat on penalties at the hands of Croatia.

It’s a loss that can linger as they let victory slip via their fingers shortly earlier than the ultimate whistle.

Brazil had been successful 1-0 on Friday (Dec 9) after Neymar scored a superb purpose within the first-half of additional time however let their guard down and allowed Croatia to score an equaliser from a counter-attack with three minutes remaining.

It was their second consecutive loss in a World Cup quarter-final, their fourth within the final 5 tournaments on the identical stage. The event they made it to the semi-final on house soil in 2014 resulted in them being crushed 7-1 by Germany.

It’s nothing wanting a catastrophe for a group who arrived in Qatar as favourites, stuffed by a brand new technology of expertise up entrance alongside talisman Neymar.

What was alleged to be redemption for the Paris St Germain ahead, nonetheless, was as an alternative reworked into his third World Cup nightmare.

After being not noted by coach Dunga in 2010 for being too younger, 4 years later he sustained a cracked vertebrae in Brazil’s quarter-final victory over Colombia and watched from his hospital mattress as his group mates suffered that semi-final thrashing by Germany.

At Russia 2018, accidents once more hampered his World Cup dream. Earlier within the 12 months, Neymar had suffered a sprained proper ankle that affected a metatarsal in his foot, and he was by no means at 100 per cent throughout the event, taking part in via ache and off form when Brazil had been knocked out within the quarter-finals by Belgium.

He suffered an identical damage in Brazil’s opener in Qatar, ruling him out of the subsequent two video games, however managed to get better in time for the final 16 match towards South Korea, once they appeared excellent of their 4-1 win.

On Friday, he scored a superb purpose that was securing Brazil’s place in a semi-final towards potential opponents and bitter rivals Argentina.

Nevertheless, a tactical and psychological breakdown ended up costing them the win and the shock of conceding the late equaliser proved an excessive amount of for Brazil’s surprised gamers who merely crumbled within the shootout.

Neymar mentioned after the match on Friday he was unsure if he would play again for the national team.

Brazil must wait 4 extra years to attempt to win a record-extending sixth world title, and their first since 2002.

The group might be able to depend on Actual Madrid’s younger trio of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao and Premier League rising stars Bruno Guimaraes, Antony and Gabriel Martinelli, amongst others.

Palmeiras’ 16-year-old prodigy Endrick is already making noise in Brazil’s under-19 squad and European media studies say he’s near signing with Actual Madrid for a Brazilian league report €60 million (US$63.18 million).

The largest query mark instantly is who will take over as coach, with Tite leaving the job after failing to deliver Brazil glory in two consecutive makes an attempt.

There’s some debate over whether or not Brazil ought to usher in a European coach for the primary time within the fashionable period.

Brazilian media studies say the nation’s FA have inquired about Spaniard and Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola’s availability, and the current success of Portuguese managers Jorge Jesus, Abel Ferreira and Luis Castro with Flamengo, Palmeiras and Botafogo have made followers extra open to the thought.

Both means, the brand new coach may have a tough job and shall be determined to not create extra disappointment whereas managing the subsequent stage for a group with or with out Neymar, who turns 31 in February.