Predicting how Croatia vs Brazil will play out at the World Cup

Croatia will be looking to upset the odds when they take on tournament favorites Brazil in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals on Friday.

The Croats, led by captain Luka Modric, required penalties to beat Japan in the round of 16 on Monday, but they will not be discouraged as they look to reach the final four.

As for Brazil, they go into this clash on the back of their tournament performance so far after their emphatic 4-1 win against South Korea in the round of 16.

The winner of this clash will play on Tuesday against the winner of Friday’s second quarterfinal between the Netherlands and Argentina.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this quarterfinal clash.

When is Croatia vs Brazil?

The game is scheduled to kick off at 3pm GMT (6pm local time) on Friday, December 9.

The quarterfinals will take place at Al Rayyan’s Education City Stadium.

How can I see it?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on BBC 1 and streamed live on the broadcaster’s BBC iPlayer app and website.

team news

Croatian Borna Sosa missed the round of 16 clash against Japan through illness and, assuming he makes a full recovery, could return to the starting XI at left-back in Borna Barisic’s place. Josip Stanisic also missed the last game due to a muscle injury and his incorporation into the squad is in the offing.

Brazil boss Tite is unlikely to change his starting XI. Gabriel Jesús and Alex Telles have already been ruled out for the rest of the tournament, while Alex Sandro remains a doubt with a hip problem, in which case Danilo will once again be a substitute. Neymar emerged from South Korea’s victory unscathed after his ankle injury.

Predicted Lineups

Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic

Brazil XI: Alisson; Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richard

Odds

Croatia – 2/17

Brazil – 4/11

Draw (after 90 minutes only) – 4/1

Via Betfair.

Prediction

Brazil are on a roll and produced arguably half the tournament with their four-goal performance against South Korea, while Croatia may well be feeling the effects of fatigue after 120 minutes against Japan. Never discount the 2018 finalists and their never-give-up attitude, but the Selection and his wide range of offensive talent should be highlighted this time around. Brazil 2-0 Croatia.