With Neymar back healthy, Brazil are fully loaded and ready to push for a 2022 World Cup title, but they’ll first have to get past 2018 finalists Croatia.
Led by 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, the European side skated past Japan in the Round of 16 on penalties to arrive in the quarterfinals despite just one victory through four matches thus far.
One thing to keep in mind is yellow card accumulation, which could see key players suspended for the semifinal if they’re booked in this match. However, if players currently on a yellow can survive this match without another caution, all bookings are wiped for the semifinal, meaning no player can miss the final due to yellow card accumulation.
Brazil players received some criticism for their choreographed goal celebrations while running up the score on Round of 16 opponents South Korea in the first half.
Head coach Tite even got in on the action, and defended his team by explaining it is their “culture” to dance while celebrating.