The favourites kick off the quarter finals of this year’s World Cup against a Croatian side who against the odds have achieved yet another last 8 place. Their victory over Japan in the last 16 was the first and only game that has gone the distance. A penalty shootout victory that final showed the Croatia of old. It was on the second time they’ve found the scoresheet – across their four games.Coming from behind to beat a Japan side that has shown everything throughout the group stage. But Croatia showed their quality when it mattered most. Their experience in big games, continued their impressive unbeaten run – losing a single game since they were eliminated from Euro 2020 (20 games – W13, D6, L1)Although their performances haven’t been great during the group stage, they could still cause Brazil problems.Brazil’s second-string squad that played against Cameroon suffered the countries first defeat since July 2021 and stopped their run of 9 straight wins.After the return of Neymar for their last 16 tie against South Korea, Brazil looked a much more threatening and creative side. The PSG frontman assisted the opener and scored the second in Brazil’s amazing first half performance that saw them go into the break with a 4-0 lead.You’d like to think Brazil will be fresher heading into their quarter final tie as they were able to withdraw a few of their danger men, due to having such a healthy lead. Compare this to a Croatia side that endured 120 minutes of hard work along with a penalty shootout. I feel it will be the end of the road for Croatia here, who have achieved great heights in the last 2 World Cups. Brazil looks far too strong in the final third for Croatia to handle.Bet Prediction: Brazil Win
