Brazil, as the favorite to win the championship, met the previous runner-up Croatia in the eight-team tournament. At the beginning of the match, the Croatian team will specialize in the "4-3-3" formation as the basis, the core of the midfield Modric, Kovačić and Brozović flexible distribution, and strive to suppress the Brazilian comprehensive. Brazil, on the other hand, is counting on a powerful attack to tear through Croatia's rock-solid defense. After the start, the Brazilian team speed pressure, but the Croatian team has a lot of experience, whether it is the ground with, side road passes or middle penetration, can be successfully resolved. They especially target the weakness of Brazil's over-reliance on Casemiro in the midfield, early destruction of the attack, the effect is remarkable. Despite the Brazilian team's continuous attempts, they were unable to find a breakthrough, and the game went into extra time. At the critical moment, Brazil's "God's main card" Neymar took the lead by virtue of his individual ability, showing the decisive impact of superstars on the game. However, the good times did not last long, the Croatian team in the second half of the counterattack with a lucky refraction goal to equalize the score. In the penalty shootout, Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic played a heroic game, pouncing on Brazil's penalty kicks, and eventually won 4-2, advancing to the quarterfinals.
advancement
Team: Croatia (semi-finalist: Argentina)
In the other match of the eight-team tournament, the Netherlands played against Argentina. The Netherlands continued to use the traditional "3-4-1-2" formation, while Argentina's manager Scaloni made an unexpected change, replacing Risandro Martinez in the second half and changing from a "4-3-1-2" to a more conservative "5-3-2" formation. 5-3-2" formation. In the first half, the two sides more exploratory phase, Argentina's "God" Messi in the 35th minute breakthrough in the middle of the road, precise direct to the insertion of the Morina, the latter one-touch goal. In the second half, Argentina insisted on defensive counterattacks, although the Netherlands controlled the ball, but lack of threat. Argentina Acuña inserted into the penalty area caused a foul, Messi penalty kick hit to extend the lead. The Dutch brought a goal back after replacing two strikers, but in the end the two sides drew 2-2 and went into extra time. Argentina kept up the pressure in the extra time and finally Lautaro Martinez's penalty kick helped his team to advance.
advancement
Team: Argentina (semi-finalist: Croatia)
In the third match of the eight-team tournament, Morocco, the representative of Africa, faced off with Portugal. Portuguese star Crow was the center of attention even though he started from the bench. In the first half, Morocco played defensive counterattack with "4-1-4-1" formation, while Portugal responded with "4-3-3" formation. In the 42nd minute, the Morocco team side of the cross, Nnaisli header broke the goal and took the lead. In the second half, the Portuguese team replaced Crow, changed the formation "442" to strengthen the attack, but the Moroccan team solid defense, Crow had the opportunity, but ultimately failed to change the score. Morocco's two major players Saïs and Ziyeh were injured and retired, plus the substitute Chedira was sent off with a red card, but the team still held on for the win, becoming the first African team to enter the quarterfinals in history.
