On Friday afternoon, Croatia and Brazil clash in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, as both teams eye a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
Croatia form guideZlatko Dadic’s team made it through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup by beating Japan in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following normal and extra time. The draw means that Croatia are unbeaten in their last ten international matches.
The draw against Japan continued a low-scoring trend for Croatia of late, as it was the fourth match from their last five games that had produced under 2.5 goals.
Croatia has a poor recent record at the World Cup, winning just one of their last eight games over 90 minutes. However, they have won one of the eight games in extra time and also claimed three penalty shootout victories while suffering just one defeat in their previous 11 games in the World Cup.
Brazil form guideThe pre-tournament favourites progressed to the last eight by recording a convincing 4-1 victory over South Korea. The victory over the Asian team means that the Selecao have now won nine of their last ten international games.
The game also saw another impressive attacking display from the South American team, as they have now scored at least two goals in seven of their previous ten matches.Brazil have an excellent recent record in the World Cup, winning six of their last eight matches in the competition.
Team newsCroatia has fitness doubts over defender Josip Stanisic. However, full-back Borne Sosa could return after recovering from an illness that kept the defender out of the Japan game.
Brazil are without Gabriel Jesus, who will miss the rest of the competition. Full-back Alex Telles will also miss out through injury, while Alex Sandro is also a fitness doubt.What am I backing?
Croatia is a tough team to beat, but Brazil have been one of the more impressive teams in Qatar. I am backing Tite’s team to record a narrow win.
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