FIFA World Cup 2022: 5 Players to watch out for in Croatia vs Brazil Quarter-Final
CRO vs BRA WC 2022: Croatia faces Brazil in the 1st Quarter-Final of the WC 2022 in what promises to be an exciting and thrilling contest.
The 2018 runners-up will be tested against the flying and in-form Brazil side, who have looked the real deal throughout the tournament.
In what is expected to be an engaging affair, players from either side need to step up and win the mini-battles to ensure one of them continue their journey.
Hence, we look at the top 5 players to watch out in the CRO vs BRA WC 2022 Quarter-Final clash
Josko GvardiolÂ
Gvardiol was at his imperious best vs Belgium and Japan as well making him even better with each contest.
🚨💣 Florentino Perez wants to close Gvardiol’s signing as soon as possible. He will not wait until the summer as Chelsea are interested too. @AlfredoPedulla pic.twitter.com/qj6OpF97ok
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 6, 2022
Croatia will need his defensive brilliance once again as tackle the mastery of Neymar, Junior and Richarlison.
Ivan Perisic
Perisic showcased valuable experience and leadership quality as his goal helped Croatia in their Round of 16 victory vs Japan.
With 10 goals, he has scored most goals for the nation in European Championships and World Cup’s combined. Perisic equaled Mandzukic with 33 goals for the country and is their 2nd highest scorer.
10 – Ivan PeriÅ¡ić has scored more goals at World Cups and European Championships combined than any other Croatia player (10). Knack. pic.twitter.com/84zvxUtiD0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2022
Important performances coupled with his experience will be a keen feature in the Quarter-Final vs Brazil.
Hence, Modric & Co hope to see the Tottenham mid-fielder rise to the occasion and help them qualify.
Neymar
The Brazilian vice-captain returned to the side and put in a man of the match performance vs South Korea in the Round of 16 clash.
With 76 goals, Neymar is within of 1 of the legendary, Pele in all time Brazil goal-scorers list and will be looking to make it his own on Friday.
Neymar is back ✨ pic.twitter.com/FV58Y8AT20
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 5, 2022
Neymar has been touted as one of the world’s best and this is his chance to showcase his mettle after a flawless 2022-23 season across club and country so far.
The PSG winger is expected to fire on all cylinders as he keeps his dream alive of winning a WC for the 5-time champions.
Vinicus Junior
Also read: FIFA World Cup: 5 Youngsters who can Break Ronaldo’s 800 + goal Tally
Junior has struck twice and provided an assist in the tournament so far and is another lad expected to play his part in the quarter-final.
Vinicius has recently shown his potential in big matches when he scored in the 2022 UCL Final vs Liverpool which Real Madrid won by 1-0.
The Real Madrid player has the mentality and toughness to play beyond potential and step up in crucial matches.
Hence, he remains another one to perform well in this important knockout match for Seleção.
Casemiro
The mid-fielder has been the rock for Brazil in the tournament so far with three incredible performances.
His goal vs Switzerland coupled with his defensive mid-field quality has kept him a part of the playing 11 despite not having the best of starts earlier in the season.
Casemiro’s experience and mental toughness makes him another sure contender to orchestrate a Brazil victory; for which his presence is key.