
<p>Croatia advanced past the first stage of the World Cup knockout rounds at Qatar 2022. The <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/croatia-needs-penalties-brazil-thumps-south-korea-at-world-cup-20221205-WST-411342.html">draw and subsequent penalty kicks against Japan</a> had all the shades of Russia 2018.</p>



<p>Back then, Croatia played to a 1-1 draw against Denmark, also in the round of 16. Croatia topped the Danes on penalties, the same fate as Japan. </p>



<p>As a matter of fact, Croatia drew more than its ‘Round of 16’ match 4 years ago. Croatia played to a draw against both Russia and England in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. The Russia contest needed penalties, but Mario Mandžukić grabbed the <a href="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi_2GELMwfY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winner against England</a> in extra time. </p>



<h2>Croatia plays up drama in World Cup knockout rounds</h2>



<p>Croatia may see the World Cup knockout rounds as just one goal: advance. If that is the case, Croatia was perfect in its quest back in 2018. Now, Croatia is emulating that approach. </p>



<p>For a soccer neutral, Croatia’s style of play has come under criticism. They tend to slow down the tempo. Commentators are often heard describing Croatia as slow compared to their opponents. But, for Croatia’s fans it’s simply “what they do.” </p>



<p>The drama they bring to their fans is not just for 90 minutes. Rather, it is for the full 120, and potentially more. In the back of their minds, they surely wonder if “this” is the match where their luck finally runs out. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Japan vs. Croatia Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup | Round of 16" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/HfYqhGEmMpo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>One thing that can’t be argued against, however, the fans, like the team, never give up hope. And the positive results for this tiny nation continue.</p>



<h5>And Now Comes Brazil</h5>



<p>It has become a cliché. Still, there is truth to saying that whenever a country plays Brazil, it is their proverbial ‘Final.’ Cameroon, which defeated Brazil in the last group stage match, does not care that the five-time winners rested players as it already advanced to the round of 16. Cameroon will not even remember that it did not advance. What Cameroon <em>will</em> remember – and remarkably so – is that it is the first African side to defeat Brazil in a World Cup.</p>



<p>Brazil is soccer encapsulated. Its performance against South Korea has removed any doubt why they are the favorites for this tournament. They sealed a victory within a quarter of an hour. </p>



<p>Croatians, and pretty much the world, could only respond with a “wow.” Does Croatia stand a chance? The short answer is yes. It’s soccer. But Croatian fans and certainly the players know that it will take a perfect match to give Croatia even a small chance at an upset. And, while Croatia is yet to show that perfection on the pitch in this World Cup, the nation has the talent to meet those expectations. </p>



<p>Echoes of Russia 2018 still live within Croatian fans. The key is not to allow Brazil to be Brazil. That’s a tall order. Still, Croatia’s success depends on exactly that – not allowing their opponents to execute their strategies. Give them respect, but don’t be afraid of their strength. Then, let the clock slowly run out. All 120 minutes of it.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Xinhua</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Croatia is not a team for the faint of heart when it comes to World Cup knockout rounds. The extra time and penalties are a trend for Croatia.

Croatia: Déjà vu in World Cup knockout rounds

featured

<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/02/santiago-bernabeu-e1416438241511.jpg"></a></p><figure class="image"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/02/santiago-bernabeu-e1416438241511.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-95449" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141120_CMS_121389_santiago-bernabeu-600x450_640993ae.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=450" alt="santiago-bernabeu" width="600" height="450"></a></figure><p></p>
<p>As the La Liga title gets closer and closer, one squad is beginning to stand apart from the rest. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/real-madrid-2/">Real Madrid</a> has been firing on all cylinders due to a continued run of superb form from talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. Their best player thus far, the Portuguese international has been absolutely sensational this term, scoring 18 goals already. But Ronaldo’s talent has been helped immensely by the skilful players he is surrounded by.</p>
<p>However, Ronaldo is not benefiting solely from his teammates but also from his manager. Carlo Ancelotti has switched the Madrid line-up to a 4-4-2, with Ronaldo and Benzema spearheading the attack. This has lead to Ronaldo playing a striker, a position he had not previously occupied. Ronaldo is now seeing more shots on goal and total goals as a direct result of being able to run straight towards goals rather than moving into a more central position from the left. However, with Gareth Bale soon returning, it looks more and more likely that Ancelotti will revert to the 4-3-3 or even the 4-2-3-1.</p>
<p><strong>Best XI:</strong></p>
<p>This season’s best XI is already shaping up to be one of the greatest Real Madrid lineups ever assembled. The goalkeeper is, without a doubt, Iker Casillas. The Spain legend has reaffirmed himself as the clear No. 1, despite Keylor Navas being brought in from Levante. Dani Carvajal holds down the right-back spot due to a number of stellar performances. Despite Neymar running through the Madrid back line like it was the youth team, Carvajal has been a steady performer for the Madrid back line. Sergio Ramos and Pepe combine in the center for a pairing that many teams have struggled to get the better of. While Pepe continues to struggle with finding consistent form, Ramos has established himself as one of, if not the, best center back in the world. To complete the back line, Marcelo lines up on the left to provide speed both on the defensive and offensive series of play. Marcelo has been a standout performer and was vital in the 3-1 defeat of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/barcelona-2/">Barcelona</a> in El Clasico.</p>
<p>In defensive midfield, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have combined to form what could be the best midfield in the world. Both players possess the ability to make decisive tackles and create opportunities through dazzling build up play. The two have completed 1,427 passes between them and show no signs of stopping. With the ability to score long range goals, this midfield is a force to be reckoned with. However, on a devastating note for the side Modric picked up an injury on international duty and expected to miss three to four months – a major blow for Real. On the left, Ronaldo has continued to dazzle with incredible performance after incredible performance. He has improved not only his goalscoring record but also his assists, second in the team with five assists, Ronaldo is finally beginning to develop the cutting eye that could complete his game. On the right is Bale, the perfect complement to Ronaldo on the left. Bale has settled into life, understanding that he is not the star of this team. Five goals and three assists befits Bale as he has suffered from nagging injuries from the past year. James Rodriguez slips into the No. 10 role, a position he has certainly adapted to with aplomb. Already adding four assists this season, Rodriguez is easily Madrid’s most improved player. As he came in, Rodriguez often looked lost as he had been used to being the star on his team, both for Colombia and for AS Monaco. He has since assimilated, as Bale did, and has since realized where he stands in the team. To complete the attack, Karim Benzema occupies the lone striker role. The Frenchman has been exemplary this season, contributing crucial goals when needed, such as in El Clasico, and adding assists when needed.</p>
<p><strong>What needs to be addressed in the transfer window?</strong></p>
<p>One area that will need to be filled come January will be center-back. While Raphael Varane is a one of the best young talents in the world, at least one more top defender will be needed to ensure injuries do not hinder Real’s title chase. While Nacho has very big potential, he is not yet ready to consistently perform well at the top level. This is why someone with plenty of international caps and experience at the highest level will be needed to maintain the title chase.</p>
<p><strong>Rating (out of 5 stars): 4.75</strong></p>
<p>Had it not been for two slip-ups against Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, Real would find themselves at a perfect 5. Those two results show the need for depth in defense, as Pepe is still positionally culpable at times. This season is looking very promising and the treble is looking closer with every match played.</p>

Read Our Progress Report on Real Madrid’s Performances After 11 Gameweeks

Read Our Progress Report on Real Madrid's Performances After 11 Gameweeks - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Luka Modric. Find out about all the news related to Luka Modric on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Luka Modric - Page 8"

Croatia

Croatia: Déjà vu in World Cup knockout rounds

News

Read Our Progress Report on Real Madrid’s Performances After 11 Gameweeks