I told you this game is 50-50. It’s ridiculous how everyone was taking Brazil winning for granted. They could still win, but it’s 50-50.
I'm Brazilian and I wasn't. I personally predicted Brazil would win (and I hope I turn out to be right); however, I also predicted a difficult match. My second prediction has come true. I don't know who your "everyone" is. But I for one never considered it farfetched that Brazil may not defeat a team which ended the last World Cup in second place.
We have got ourselves a very good game. Brazil is the only team that can get away with such a super-offensive formation (to me it’s basically the old 4-2-4) because of the talent they have up front. But I wonder if they’d be better off taking out a forward and adding a more defensive midfielder for balance, as we get to the later stages against the best teams. Croatia I think has exposed them a bit so far. At least for the first 45 minutes they managed to absorbe the Brazilian powerful attack without renouncing to counterattacking , and were able to take advantage of space to create some chances of their own. Smart midfield play, led by the inspirational Luka Modrić. Can they hold on?
Each one of us is entitled to having an opinion and to expressing it; whether or not such opinions are well-informed or not is secondary.
Croatia starting to get tired. Also, their forward line has no weight in the box. Kramaric is invisible and Perisic hasn't done anything productive. Brazil goal is inminent.
Brasil have not exactly been threatening. They are circling the box, but not really doing anything with that posession.
I wrote a post in the Brazil forum about the Croatian back four. Some voices had said Croatia is an old team. But three of the four aren't even 30 and Gvardiol is only 20. He's tall, muscular, and aggressive, but he's also athletic and quick. Regardless of Croatia's fortunes in this tournament, I expect him to be a key component of his national team in future European Championship and World Cup qualifying campaigns and the tournaments themselves - assuming Croatia qualifies.
What is it with the blonde bucket hairdo that all Brasilian forwards are sporting? Did they lose a bet or something?
The camera person should try and find that Miss Croatia lady in the stands, kinda spice things up a bit....
Croatia clearly wants the PKs now but there's still 30 more minutes. Petkovic somehow worse than Kramaric.
Brazil's strength is a very good team defense. Croatia so far still with 0 shots on goal. Other than that Brazil really are not a team to be afraid of for the UEFA powerhouses.
As much as I love a good underdog story, please not another France v Croatia (after 3 straight extra time games) final....