The day Neymar joined Pele’s record was a day Brazilian football would like to forget
First Published Dec 10, 2022, 12:34 AM IST
Doha: Neymar has equaled Pele’s record as the top goalscorer in Brazil. Neymar came close to the record of the King of Football by netting in the extra time against Croatia in the quarter of the World Cup in Qatar. Both now have 77 goals. Neymar scored so many goals in 124 games and Pele in 92 games. Ronaldo is third in the list with 62 goals in 98 games.
But the day Neymar joined Pele’s record was a day Brazilian football would like to forget. Brazil lost 4-2 in the penalty shootout in the quarter against Croatia and was eliminated without seeing the semi-finals. The match went to a shootout after the teams scored a goal each in 120 minutes. The game went to a dramatic shootout when Bruno Petkovic scored a long ranger goal after 10 minutes in response to Neymar’s brilliant goal. Both goals were in extra time.
Brazil lost in the shootout
The pressure was on for Brazil as Vlasic scored the first kick. Young player Rodrigo came to take the first kick for Brazil. Rodrigo’s legs did not have the strength to withstand the pressure of the penalty shootout. Rodri’s kick was saved by the Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic and Brazil was under pressure. And then all in the hands of Alison Becker, who kept them waiting until the quarter. But Lovro, who took Croatia’s second kick, scored his kick. Casemiro, who took the second kick for Brazil, also shook the net with a powerful shot.
Captain Luka Modric came to take Croatia’s third kick. Alisson could not stop the kick of Modric, who combined experience and strength. Score 3-1. Brazil’s third kick was taken by youngster Pedro. Brazil got hope when Pedro scored without making a mistake. Mislav Orcic came to take the decisive fourth kick for Croatia. With Orcich scoring the fourth kick, the pressure was all on Brazil’s feet. Marquinhos, the faithful defender, came to take Brazil’s fourth kick. Brazil was unable to cross the quarter barrier once again after the crucial fourth kick taken by Marquinhos hit the post.
Canary Tears in Qatar; Croatia semis in shootout, goalie hero
Last Updated Dec 10, 2022, 12:38 AM IST
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