Croatia beat Brazil on penalties after both extra time and extra time ended 1-1.
After Croatia beat Brazil about punishment and won a place in the semi-finals, Kokasti fans left Education City Stadium in excitement and surprise before the “biting tendon” match.
“I was on the edge of my chair the whole time. It’s a great feeling… to win when you’re sure you’re going to lose,” David Smolgol, 21, told Al Jazeera on Friday.
“We are a very small country, but God always helps us to win. Surely,” he said as he raised his hand to the sky.
Brazil looked set to win the tense match after Neymar scored in the first half of extra time, sending the Brazilian into jubilation. However, Croatia, lost Finals in Russia 2018scored in the hot minutes of the second half from striker Bruno Petkovic to send the game to a penalty shootout – with Croatia leading 4-2.
Ivona Babic, another Croatia fan, described her team’s win as “unbelievable”.
“I was so sure we would lose after Neymar’s goal… I gave up all hope… but now we’re in the semi-finals!” Zagreb residents said.
“My heart needs some time to calm down,” the 28-year-old from Zagreb told Al Jazeera.
When the final whistle blew, Croatian fans, who were in the minority, celebrated outside where they chanted: “Bring Brazil back, so we can play.” “.
However, the Brazilian fans were stunned by the loss. Tears streamed down the faces of some, including women and children, as others tried to comfort them and comfort each other.
Davide Gomes, a 35-year-old salesman from Rio De Janeiro, said the feeling of losing on penalties was a “terrible” feeling.
“The penalties are very painful. We’re the better team, but what can you do, that’s the rule of the game,” Soares, who lives in Rio De Janeiro, told Al Jazeera. “I don’t think most Brazilians will be able to sleep tonight. It hurts,” he added.
While there aren’t many fans in Qatar, Croatians back home are sure to celebrate.
Mia Dopiec told Al Jazeera it will be a “very long night of drinking” back in the Croatian capital Zagreb, where she lives.
“I’ve received messages from friends saying I’m so lucky to be able to attend today’s game and all the plans everyone is making for the party,” said the 21-year-old college student. .
Regarding the possibility of meeting Argentina or the Netherlands in the semi-finals, Dopiec simply said: “We are not afraid of anyone. We beat Brazil… they [Argentina and Netherlands] can also be defeated.”
Croatia will play their second consecutive semi-final on December 13 at Lusail Stadium.
