Argentina, Croatia Secure World Cup Semi-Finals As Brazil, Netherlands Get Knocked Out

On Friday evening, Croatia and Argentina secured their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Both teams qualified for the next round of the world football competition after they respectively knocked out Brazil and Netherlands in thrilling penalty shootouts.

Naija News reports that Argentina narrowly defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 2-2 draw to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Late-minute goals from Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst levelled up with the Argentine team, who were already leading the game 2-0 after a goal from Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi’s penalty.

All praises to Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, who saved two spot-kicks as they won the penalty shootout by 4-3.

Meanwhile, Brazil was brutally sent out of the world cup earlier after losing out on penalties.

Naija News reports that the Selecao lost 4-2 to Croatia in a penalty shoot-out after their last-16 tie ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes. It was all joy for the Brazil team after striker Neymar put them ahead with a 105+ minute goal.

However, Tite‘s side was stunned by an equalizer from Croatia star Bruno Petkovic in the 117 minutes of the match.

The development result in Tite’s resignation as the head coach for the Brazil team. In a post-match interview, the 61-year-old former player said, “It was the end of my cycle”.

Naija News understands that Tite took charge of the Brazilian national side in 2016 when he replaced Dunga. The ex-Corinthians boss managed 81 matches, winning 60 of those contests.

Brazil is now looking to regroup ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be a 48-team extravaganza to be held in North America.