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Neymar said he “cannot 100% guarantee” he will continue playing for Brazil after their World Cup exit, while coach Tite confirmed he will step down.

The favourites went out at the quarter-final stage for the second World Cup running, losing on penalties to 2018 runners-up Croatia after a 1-1 draw.

Tite, 61, says he “goes in peace” after six years as Brazil manager.

But Neymar, 30, will take stock before confirming his decision, adding: “I need to think a bit more about this.”

The Paris St-Germain forward equalled Pele’s ‘official’ goalscoring record of 77 in 124 appearances for the Brazil men’s national team after firing them into the lead against Croatia in extra time.

But Bruno Petkovic’s 117th-minute equaliser and Brazil’s subsequent 4-2 defeat on penalties left the former Barcelona player with a decision to make.

“I am not closing any doors on the national team but I am also not guaranteeing 100% that I will return,” said Neymar, who made his international debut aged 18.

“I need to think a bit more about this, about what is the right thing for me and for the national team.”

Neymar played in three World Cups for the Selecao, helping them reach the semi-finals in his home country in 2014 before missing the 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Germany in the last four through injury.

“It is an awful feeling. I think this is a worse feeling than what happened at the last World Cup,” said Neymar, referring to Brazil’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat by Belgium at Russia 2018.

“It is difficult to find the words to describe this moment. We fought and I am proud of my team-mates, proud of the character they showed to step up and take penalties.”

‘I go in peace’

Tite left no room for a possible return as Brazil coach.

He said before the tournament he would stand down regardless of his side’s performance.

“It is a painful defeat but I go in peace. It is the end of a cycle,” said the former Corinthians boss.

“I already said that a year and a half ago. I didn’t come here to win and then turn around and say I was going to stay. People who know me know that.”

He took on the role in 2016 and won the Copa America in 2019, but was unable to guide Brazil past the last-eight stage in two World Cups.

“It is very difficult,” added Tite, who won 61 of his 81 games in charge of Brazil, losing seven.

“I said I needed to have the full cycle and now I have the full cycle and have followed the moments.”

Asked whether he had left a legacy, he said: “Time will answer that. I am not in a position now to evaluate all the work we have done, but as time goes by you will be able to make that assessment.

“I don’t have the capacity to do that now after we have been eliminated.”

©BBC

Click on any of the links below to watch the game.

Kickoff is at 19:00 GMT [7pm]

Stream Link

Lineups:

?? Netherlands XI: Noppert, Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk, Aké, Blind, De Roon, De Jong, Gakpo, Bergwijn, Depay.

?? Argentina XI: E Martínez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, L Martínez, Acuña, De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Messi, Álvarez.

Croatia battled past tournament favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties on Friday to reach the World Cup semi-finals following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

The 2018 runners-up came through their second consecutive shootout after beating Japan also on penalties in the last 16 and will now face either the Netherlands or Argentina who play each other later.

In an evening filled with tension and drama, Brazil superstar Neymar thought he had won the game when he rifled in an extra-time goal for the five-time world champions.

Croatia substitute Bruno Petkovic’s left-footed equaliser three minutes from the end of extra time drew his side level, breaking Brazilian hearts in Doha’s Education City Stadium.

The Croats kept their composure from the penalty spot as Brazil’s Marquinhos and Rodrygo failed to convert.

Croatia initially refused to be intimidated by their more illustrious opponents and in the first half successfully stifled most Brazil moves early.

Apart from a weak Vinicius Jr. shot, Brazil had little else to offer in terms of attack with Neymar off the pace and shut out by a hard-working backline.

It was Croatia who looked sharper, more skilled in their passing game and with a precise game plan, and by the end of the first half they had the upper hand in terms of possession.

A Neymar free kick just before the break did not trouble Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic as the Brazilians, whose last win over a European opponent in the knockout phase came in their 2002 final victory over Germany, struggled to find any space.

They did, however, almost take the lead three minutes after the restart when Josko Gvardiol tried to clear the ball but almost turned it into his own goal.

Seconds later, claims for a hand ball by defender Josip Juranovic were shot down following a VAR review before Neymar was sent through by Richarlison in the 55th minute only to have his close-range effort blocked by Livakovic.

The Brazilians, who have now lost four of their last five World Cup quarter-finals all to European opposition, enjoyed a much better start to the second half and came close again in the 66th when Lucas Paqueta was denied by Livakovic.

The Croatia keeper was kept busy and stopped Neymar in the 76th and by that time had more saves in the match (seven) than his Brazil counterpart, Alisson, had in the entire tournament (five).

Livakovic parried another Paqueta shot five minutes later as the few hundred Brazil fans in the stands grew louder and more impatient and the game trickled over to extra time with Brazil coach Tite visibly nervous.

In stoppage time of the first period, Neymar, largely lacklustre until then, launched an attack outside the box, played two consecutive one-twos to bamboozle the tired Croatian defence and then rounded the keeper to equal Brazil great Pele’s record of 77 international goals.

But the Croats refused to surrender with Petkovic’s equaliser forcing penalties and coming out on top in the shootout with Livakovic saving Rodrygo’s spot kick and Marquinos hitting the post.

©Reuters

The Netherlands are set to take on Argentina in a clash of footballing heavyweights with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.

The Netherlands, who face Argentina next, came together as a team against the USA in the Round of 16 and put in their most composed performance at the tournament. The clash tested their character before the quarters, and Louis van Gaal was happy with what he saw.

While Cody Gakpo’s scoring run ended, Denzel Dumfries took over matters in the attacking third. The wing-back assisted two goals and scored the third in a blistering display. And the Netherlands now await their date against mighty Argentina.

While the Netherlands failed to make it to the Russia edition, they have reached the semi-finals in their last two World Cup appearances. While they reached the final in 2010, the Oranje got beaten by Argentina on penalties in 2014.

As the Netherlands bulldozed their way through against the USMNT, Argentina only survived to win after a late rally from the Australians. The Socceroos refused to wave the white flag despite a Lionel Messi masterclass. The PSG star scored a superb goal in typical fashion, and Julian Alvarez later doubled the lead.

As Argentina seemed destined to secure three points, Craig Goodwin’s deflected strike late in the second half opened the game up. While Australia rallied on, La Albiceleste had goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank for the victory.

Australia nearly grabbed an improbable equaliser at the death. However, Martinez was on hand to save teenager Garang Kuol’s close-range strike. That moment kept their dream alive, and Argentina will be pumped for their encounter with the Netherlands for a place in the semi-finals.

Team News & Tactics

The Netherlands

Louis van Gaal had to deal with a few minor problems with his squad, although he could have a fully fit side ahead of the Argentina clash. After failing to train, Stefan de Vrij was doubtful, but he has since returned to their preparation for the game.

The defender is unlikely to challenge the established order of van Gaal’s back three. Jurien Timber, Virgil van Dijk, and Nathan Ake are the preferred centre-backs under the Netherlands head coach. Matthijs de Ligt and de Vrij are likely to remain on the bench.

There was also good news with Jeremie Frimpong, who has shrugged off an ankle problem to return to full training. He also featured on the bench against the USA. The right-back is unlikely to dislodge Dumfries from his position, as van Gaal could name an unchanged lineup.

Frenkie de Jong and Marten de Roon will remain in the double midfield pivot. Davy Klaassen will play the advanced role ahead of the duo and support the front two of Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo.

Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Noppert, Timber, van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, de Roon, de Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Depay, Gakpo

Argentina

Lionel Scaloni will have a few critical decisions ahead of the Netherlands game. Papu Gomez suffered from a sprained ankle, but he could return to the squad. Similarly, Angel Di Maria, who missed the Australia clash, should also return to fitness.

There are question marks over Di Maria’s involvement from the start, after Julian Alvarez’s terrific displays in the last couple of games. Gomez could start in his position, or Scaloni could involve Di Maria and the Manchester City man alongside Messi.

Messi started the previous game in the centre-forward role, as Lautaro Martinez struggles for relevance. Scaloni switched the plan for the Australia game, with Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister providing ample midfield security.

The backline could remain intact, with Marcos Acuna and Nahuel Molina likely to retain their full-back roles. Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero are the preferred central defensive pairing.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Alvarez, Messi, Gomez

Key Stats

• The Netherlands are undefeated in their last 18 matches in the FIFA World Cup.

• The Netherlands have kept a clean sheet in their last three home matches against Argentina in all competitions.
  
• The Netherlands are undefeated in their last six matches against Argentina in all competitions.
  
• Argentina have won their last three matches in the FIFA World Cup.
  
• Argentina have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches in the FIFA World Cup.

A place in the FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-finals will be on the line when Croatia and Brazil face off at the Education City Stadium on Friday.

Only ten days remain for the curtains to fall on the FIFA World Cup 2022. The extravaganza in Qatar has thrown up some spectacles and some shocking results. And Croatia will look to spring a surprise on Brazil when the two teams clash at the Education City Stadium on Friday in the first quarter-final.

Croatia took the scenic route to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The Vatreni started with a goalless draw against Morocco before beating Canada 4-1. And another stalemate with Belgium meant they finished second in Group F behind Morocco. Zlatko Dalic’s men then came from behind to hold Japan to a 1-1 draw before beating the Blue Samurai in penalties.

On the other hand, Brazil topped Group G by winning the first two games. And the 1-0 defeat to Cameroon did not matter as the Selecao had already booked a place in the Round of 16 and finished as the Group Winners. But Tite’s charges turned on the style in the Last 16 as they ran riot in the first half to beat South Korea 4-1.

Brazil clinched a 2-0 win the last time they locked horns with Croatia in a friendly in 2018, with Neymar and Roberto Firmino finding the back of the net. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the FIFA World Cup 2022 encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics

Croatia

Zlatko Dalic does not have any new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of the trip to the Education City Stadium. The Croatia head coach should have a full-strength squad at his disposal against Brazil on Friday.

Borna Sosa (illness) and Josip Stanisic (muscle injury) were unavailable to take on Japan in the previous game. While Stanisic is a minor doubt, he should be fit enough to make the bench. But Sosa will have recovered from his issue to return to the starting eleven, replacing Borna Barisic.

Sosa will feature on the left side of Croatia’s defence, with Josip Juranovic featuring on the right flank. Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol should form the central defensive partnership. And the back four will protect Dominik Livakovic, the penalty shootout hero against Japan.

Midfield will be the area of the pitch Croatia will look to dominate against Brazil. With stalwarts like Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic reprising their usual roles in the middle of the park, the trio will be Dalic’s best bet to push the Selecao on the backfoot. If the three midfielders are successful in their endeavour, Ivan Perisic will come into the equation.

Against Japan, the veteran became the first player to score ten goals in major tournaments for Croatia. At the World Cup alone, he has been involved in ten goals in his last 13 outings. So Perisic will be the go-to player for Dalic, with Bruno Petkovic and Andrej Kramaric starting alongside the 33-year-old.

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

Brazil

Unlike his counterpart in the Croatia dugout, Tite has several players unavailable ahead of the trip to the Education City Stadium. The Brazil head coach will be without three players in Al Rayyan on Friday.

Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles have played their last games at the FIFA World Cup 2022 due to their respective knee injuries. In addition, Alex Sandro will likely remain unavailable against Croatia due to a hip issue. But the 31-year-old could reportedly be involved in training on Thursday.

The good news for Brazil is Neymar and Danilo came through unscathed from the Round of 16 after recovering from their respective ankle injuries. And Danilo will likely start as the left-back again if Alex Sandro remains on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old will join Eder Militao, Thiago Silva, and Marquinhos in the back four. Eder Militao’s presence on the right flank gives Brazil more solidity, making them close to indomitable. The defensive unit will cover Alisson Becker, who was top-class against South Korea earlier this week.

Fred and Bruno Guimaraes are one booking away from missing the semi-final due to a suspension. But Tite will not be sweating about that prospect, with Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta being the first-choice central midfield pairing. The duo will protect the backline while pushing Brazil forward at a quick tempo.

Neymar will look to pull strings in the final third after a stellar showing against South Korea. The 30-year-old is Brazil’s talisman, and the attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Richarlison, and Raphinha will play around him in and around Croatia’s box.

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

Key Stats

Brazil and Croatia have met four times previously, with the Selecao unbeaten in those match-ups (W3 D1). Friday’s clash will be their first meeting since a 2-0 friendly win for Brazil in June 2018.

Croatia have lost four of their five World Cup games against South American sides, a 3-0 win over Argentina in 2018 being the exception. Two of those four defeats have been against Brazil – 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 in 2014 (both group stages).

Since beating Germany 2-0 in the final in 2002, Brazil have lost each of their World Cup knockout stage games against European nations, including three quarter-finals in that run (France in 2006, Netherlands in 2010 and Belgium in 2018).

In a run going back to UEFA Euro 2008, seven of Croatia’s last eight knockout stage games at major tournaments (World Cup and Euro) have gone to extra time, the 2018 World Cup final being the exception. They have progressed from all four such games at the World Cup, three via penalty shootout.

Neymar has been involved in 15 goals in his last 11 appearances for Brazil in all competitions (eight goals, seven assists), with each of his most recent six goals for the national side coming from the penalty spot. Against South Korea, he became the first Brazilian on record (since 1966) to both score and provide an assist at three different World Cup tournaments.