Croatia vs. Brazil: Top Storylines, Odds, Live Stream for World Cup 2022
Brazil has competed in the second-most FIFA World Cup finals in tournament history, but it hasn't been to one as recently as Croatia.
The 2018 World Cup runner-up has advanced to the quarterfinals in Qatar in the same way it moved through the event in Russia.
Croatia has won four of its last five World Cup knockout-round games in extra time or penalties.
Brazil hopes it can end that run by producing another large goal total, as it did in the 4-1 win against South Korea in the round of 16
The South American side played to its highest potential during that four-goal first-half performance. Neymar and Co. are looking to get the Seleção back to the semifinals for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.
A win from Brazil on Friday inside the Education City Stadium could set up a last-four clash with Argentina next week.
Odds and Match Info
Odds
90-Minute Money Line
Brazil (-275; bet $275 to win $100)
Croatia (+800; bet $100 to win $800)
Draw (+400)
To Advance to Next Round
Brazil (-550)
Croatia (+400)
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Match Info
Date: Friday, 9 December
Start Time: 10 a.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app
Will Brazilian Attack Find Top Gear Again in 1st Half?
Brazil displayed why it is favorite to win the World Cup with its opening 45-minute display against South Korea.
Neymar, Richarlison and Vinicius Junior all scored, as well as Lucas Paquetá. The performance was a stark contrast to the three goals put up over three games in Group G.
Brazil has one of, if not the, greatest potential in attack of the eight remaining teams in the tournament.
The South American side could flex the same attacking muscle against Croatia through the front four of Neymar, Richarlison, Vinicius and Raphinha.
The Paris Saint-Germain star did not appear to be affected by the ankle injury that kept him out of the last two group-stage games.
If Neymar looks close to 100 percent, the Brazilians could be in unbeatable form yet again.
The Croatian players have experience from the last World Cup and games at their respective club sides as to how to deal with the likes of Neymar, but even that may not help if Brazil plays as it did in the round of 16.
Can Croatia Run Another Knockout-Round Game Into Extra Time?
Croatia has become the expert team in drawing out games in its favor.
The European team showed no panic when it went down a goal against Japan in the round of 16. Ivan Perišić scored an equalizer in the 55th minute, and Croatia held on to the 1-1 draw until penalty kicks.
Croatia made it to the 2018 final in Russia by beating Denmark and Russia on penalties and defeating England in added extra time.
It will not let Brazil score easily, but the main concern with its approach is that it can't go goal-for-goal with the South Americans.
Croatia has scored multiple goals in the tournament just once, in the 4-1 win over Canada, which had one of the most wide-open defenses in the 32-team field.
A low-scoring game benefits Luka Modrić and Co., but whether they can hold an in-form Brazil to one or zero goals remains to be seen.
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