Croatia vs Brazil: World Cup quarter final team news and prediction

Following the progression of both teams, Croatia face Brazil in the first World Cup quarter-final. Croatia went the distance with Japan, but secured their quarter-final spot, winning 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time. As for Brazil, they eased past South Korea, scoring four goals in the first half on their way to a 4-1 victory. Brazil have high expectations back home, and are the favourites going into Friday’s game.

Ahead of this one, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the World Cup quarter-final, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off?      

Friday 9th December, 15:00 GMT 

Where is the match?      

Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan (Qatar) 

What TV channel is it on?      

BBC One and BBC iPlayer 

Route to the quarter final

After coming second to Morocco in Group F, Croatia went the distance with Japan, but booked their quarter-final place, winning 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time. Croatia have gone to extra time in five of their last six knockout games in major tournaments since the 2018 World Cup, with the exception the 2018 final against France. They would be happy to take Brazil to extra time, seeing as they have high expectations of going far into the tournament.

As for Brazil, they qualified as group leaders in Group H after the first two games and swept past South Korea in the last-16, scoring four goals in the first half on their way to a 4-1 victory. They have only progressed to the semi finals of the World Cup once since 2002. Their 2014 fourth placed finish was overshadowed by the harrowing 7-1 demolition by eventual winners Germany, and anything less than the semi-finals will be seen as a failure of a brilliant Brazil team. 

Team news

Croatia were without Borna Sosa for their game against Japan, but the Stuttgart full-back could return to the side against Brazil. If he is unable to start, expect Rangers full-back Borna Barasic to deputise at left-back. Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic also missed the Japan game, and might be a doubt for the clash against Brazil, but Josip Juranovic has started every game at right-back, so he’s set to continue his role in the side.

Brazil are missing their backup forward Gabriel Jesus after he picked up a knee injury, which required surgery, so his tournament is over. They could also be without both Alex Telles and Alex Sandro, so expect Danilo to keep his place at left back for the quarter-final, with Eder Militao featuring on the opposite flank. Tite should go with Lucas Paqueta alongside Casemiro at the base of the midfield, but does have Fred and Fabinho in reserve should he wish to bulk his side up. 

Probable XIs

Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic

Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Militao, Marquinhos, Silva, Danilo; Paqueta, Casemiro; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior; Richarlison 

Key battle: Luka Modric vs Casemiro

The battle for the midfield will be to determine which nation progresses. Both sides have an abundance of quality in the middle of the park, and former Real Madrid teammates Luka Modric and Casemiro will both be determined to grab hold of the match in the engine room. Both players have showed their worth in the competition so far, with Luka Modric starting every match for Croatia and Casemiro grabbing the only goal of the game against Switzerland.

Modric comes out on top for total tackles (9) and total interceptions (7) against Casemiro, albeit having played a game more. He has also been dispossessed more times (5) than Casemiro (1), including eight fouls to Casemiro’s five. The 37-year-old will be keen to get one over his former teammate, who left for Manchester United in August, and show his worth, just as he did in 2018 when he won the World Cup Golden Ball.

Score prediction: Croatia 0-2 Brazil