Croatia vs Brazil: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

This is the first quarter-finals fixture in the FIFA World Cup 2022

Croatia and Brazil will kick off the quarter finals mania of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Education City Stadium. In the last round, Croatia beat Japan on penalties, but their quarterfinal match against Brazil will be a true test of their abilities. Brazil completely bamboozled South Korea and have announced that they are going for kill this time around.

The most important thing for Brazil is that Neymar is fit and their attack is looking like one of the best in the tournament. Though they are ahead of Croatia in confidence and on paper, Croatia knows how to live under the underdog's tag and defeat the giants.

Kick off: 8:30pm (IST), 15:00 (GMT)

Croatia form (all comps): L-D-W-D-W

Brazil form (all comps): W-W-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Neymar

A major difference in the confidence of the Brazilian team was clearly apparent in the last game after Neymar's arrival. He is the team's leader and he has been stitching all attacks for Brazil. As again, Neymar will be the center of marking between Croatia's defenders, and this battle will determine the outcome of the match.

Josko Gvardiol

This tournament has so far been a memorable one for Josko Gvardiol as the Croatian defender at the back. Attackers have had a very hard time against him, but Brazilian players might present him with different challenges. The Leipzig defender has had an incredible run and will be hoping to continue.

Team News

Croatia were without Borna Sosa and Josip Stanisic in the game against Japan but both are likely to make a return in the coming match.

Brazil are already without Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles from the tournament. However, Alex Sandro's hip injury makes him doubtful for this match.

Predicted Lineup

Croatia predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic

Brazil predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Alisson, Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, Paqueta, Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison

Head to Head stats

Croatia are yet to register a victory against Brazil. Both teams have met four times and the last they met was in 2018 when Brazil defeated them 2-0

Played – 4

Croatia - 0

Drawn – 1

Brazil – 3

Croatia vs Brazil Prediction

Brazil has looked in completely rejuvenated spirits after the arrival of Neymar into the lineup. His impact is clearly evident and Brazil are clear favorite for this clash. Although Croatia has all tools to shock Brazil but Brazil are likely to come out on top.

Prediction: Croatia 0-2 Brazil