The ESPN FC crew reacts to Brazil's loss to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup. ✔ Subscribe to ESPN+: espnplus.com/soccer/youtube ✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on RU-vid: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC
As usual the media totally overhypes Brazil. They've been poor for 20 years now, always lose to the first good European team they play. This isn't even a shock for me, Croatia are a good team!
''Croatia are a good side, but they haven't won the WC''. That's true, Craig - we have been around for 30 years, during that time there were 6 world cups that we could participate in. Out of those 6 world cups, effectively from 1998 till now, we hold a bronze medal, a silver medal, and now this. That is our score from the last 6 world cups. 3 elite results out of 6. How many national teams in the world can say that they were a top tier contender in 3 out of 6 championships in this timespan? Hint: it's a very small number. And out of those teams that have a similar or better score, tell me which one is also regarded as ''ah they're good, but we expect Brazil, France, etc''? That last one is a rhetorical. Greetings from Croatia - the only elite national team never recognized as such.
I think it's a good thing when you're underestimated- it takes the pressure off, in my opinion. Brazil has so much pressure to win because everyone always says they're the favorite EVERY singe time. Congratulations, Croatia. enjoy the ride! ;)
I was think "if"Yugoslavia still was a nation what a team they would have.. definitely competing to play finals against the biggest teams.. congratulations to Croatia..i hope they win.. it's nice to have outsiders win ..
@@voiceofreason1829 If England get past France... Argentina, Croatia, Morocco are very beatable for this England team ....but getting past France is a big if
I can't believe the media and pundits were underestimating the relentless Croatia in spite of being world cup finalists. They never give up and are excellent under pressure.
They've had the best midfield on the planet in 2014 and 2018 but people were still "shocked" they made the final. Shows the media don't pay attention to anyone outside of those they can market.
I think it helps them. When u don't have much expectations from u, u can play with open mind. When u do bad, u won't be the subject of mockery and when u win even nobody expects u to, u will get ur praise
@@kkunited1 the media is all about "Messi, criticizing Ronaldo, critcize neymar depends on what side of the bed they wake up on Neymar and calling mbappe arrogant because he idolize ronaldo mbappe" i fixed it mate😉
the way Modric-Brozovic-kovacic moved and held the ball was absolutely fantastic. Technically high class players, but also fighters, having them three in this form was exceptional. 👏👏
@@Total_football_and_relationism Petković is a major source of frustration here in Croatia. He is very talented, but also very lazy and irresponsible. That's why he never made a move to a top team, although he regularly provides us with flashes of brilliance (check his goal against Bodo Glimt in CL qualifier stage). Same goes for Livaja. Huge potential, but never fully realized. Gvardiol is the complete opposite, at age 20, that young man is the epitome of discipline and hard work, on his way to become a beast.
@@henrysantiago5997 How is that luck? They organized amazing counterattack and scored, that's how you do it, you don't need 10 kicks on the goal. You are jealous 🤣😂
Brazil has never replaced the legendary team of 1998 and 2002, now that was a team, full of legends almost all over the pitch, nowadays you have a Brazilian main striker being benched at Tottenham or playing for everton, imagine fat Brazilian Ronaldo in his prime playing for everton or Tottenham, that's how far Brazil has fallen
he saved the team but he also gives the ball away way too many times carelessly, alot of times he is not even being pressed he is just standing and then he kicks a weak pass that the other team intercepts. As a PSG fan I see this all the time and its frustrating. He did the exact same thing against RM in Round of 16
I agree I use to be a psg fan when Gueye was there but yeah he’s brilliant but when he does that man it’s annoying but he creates magic at times just like today
@@robcurios740 maybe but the manager had the chance to bring on the midfielder to close the game out neymars goal was the perfect way to get them through and just defend for 5 mins but no Croatia decides to equalise due to a defense mistake
Modric is such a gifted technical player, love his long threaded passes with the outside of his right foot. When Modric received the ball in the middle of the pitch (on the counterattack from Gvardiol's clearance), he had a Brazilian player very tight on his left side, but the way he shielded a high bouncing ball under pressure and then laid a cushioned pass to a Croatian player cutting in from the right side of midfield was brilliant.
Its funny no one mention coach Dalić in this comments this guy had players that most of them you never heard about and look what is good coach you can't say he's lucky he did it twice 2 WC
Most players never heard of??? Modric Gvardiol Brozovic Kovacic Perisic Lovren Kramaric Pasalic Vlasic etc. Where do you live, mate? And do you watch football? :)
Surely the criticism is right? Im not Brazilian but if i was id be pissed at Neymar and Antony both bottled it and didnt take a penalty and left it to a defender to go n miss.
@@mh9tv bottled it by not taking a penalty? They went with the best penalty takers and he was probably the last. Its scapegoatism, that goal Neymar scored was a goal very very very few players would have pulled off. We also have to be honest and most of the Espnfc crew dont really like the very flamboyant skillful type of players like Neymar
@@patriqduma9884 cum on man, u cannot tell me with a straight face that Marquinhos is a better penalty taker than Neymar or Antony. If he is than why does Neymar take them for PSG instead of Marquinhos?? 🤦♂️.. Look at Messi went first for penalty, the top players step up. Antony and Neymar didnt, that is a fact, cant be disputed. I dont blame Marquinhos.. i rate his guts as a defender in a world cup he stepped up n took a penalty
@@mh9tv the problem is that there is no correct formula to the sequence of penalties because its a gamble regardless. They probably had a plan which did not work due to great goalkeeping. The elephant in the room is that he's moment of brilliance is what gave them the lead but they're still looking for reasons to blame him
Typical simplified idea of football. "He scored a goal therfore he's played great". Theres more to football than goals. There was another 119mns of football. Scoring a great goal doesn't undue 119mns of playing poorly.
I think modric is one of the most underrated players ever as crazy as that sounds as he won a balon dor. Everyone gave cr7 and benzema last year all the praise when Madrid won all those champions leagues but modric was just as important imo
Congrats Croatia. The Croatian players showed the qualities for true sportsmans to have. They earned my respect. And the referee were great! Glad to know there are good ones.
Modric has put a masterclass, people are so focused on Brazil that I almost do not think I saw the same match as these pundits. Croatia has played very well overall. Modric for me shows again that he is with Messi, Mbappe and Neymar a cut above the rest. Congratulations to Croatia, a very small nation full of talent.
I said recently, that Brazil hasn't been tested yet, and today they did. Teams don't care who they play nowadays, it's not like in the earlier years when you hear Brazil coming,every single team got nervous. It's not the same anymore
Not really that, coaches now more so want to go to penalty shoot out instead of playing soccer. It’s more scheme and pack the bus. Most team don’t want to play football. So fans must either love football or love the wins. Honestly the game is better when team comes to play not pack the bus.
Brazil is one of the most pleasant surprises of this championship. They managed to take the vice-champions of the world to extra time and even score first, almost making it to the semis. Sincere congratulations to the young talents and their coach! I’m sure they’ll be back stronger in 2026.
He's pretty "consistent" in his switching, though. He himself said, he could change his mind half-way through a game! I don't watch everything he says or anyone else... but at least I caught that tongue in cheek observation of his, last week, during one of these post-play discussions...
Shocking game management by Brazil, with 5mins left they should of killed the game instead of going for the second goal. I ndividual egos going for personal glory cost them. Where were the leaders?
You should always go for the 2nd goal, that wasn't the problem. The problem was how they went about it and you are right they didn't manage that at all well and left their backline terribly exposed. Times up for Tite and one has to wonder what a player like Firmino might have been able to offer this team with his tireless running and ability to hold the ball and bring players into the game - because that's exactly what Brazil needed to do.
@@thecountofmontecristo8280 Firmino has been bad for Brazil in years. He doesn't play well in Brazil, and doesn't fit our system. Same for Jesus. We need more a traditional target striker, and Richarlison is far better at that role
Livakovic was exceptional in goal. Great team win for Croatia against one of the best sides in the world. Clearly this team is fearless as they went right at this Brazil side who seemed able to wipe teams off the pitch prior to this game. Well deserved win.
My guy they defended for 117 minutes. That is not “going at” Brazil. Don’t get me wrong, they defended exceptionally well. But come on, you are talking as if they were creating chances at the same rate as Brazil. That is ridiculous.
How did they only defend when they had 51% possession? You need a lot of skill to put possess a team like Brazil. If Croatia had a good striker, would have been a lot more shots on target
Croatia is amazing country with amazing results in sport. Everyone should bow to them because of excellent game and for fair play during World Cup.. Big respect CROATIA 🇭🇷👏👏👏👏🙌🙌
The only observation that matters is that Brazil didn't play out the match. Casemiro was in Croatia's penalty box during the counter that led to the goal. There were only 5 minutes left...
No, it's not that. Today's soccer talents have started to distribute nicely across the world. From around the mid 1900s to the 1990s, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain, etc. play other nations and regions like American Division I soccer schools playing middle school schools. Today, despite the many individual talents of the Brazilian people, TEAM WISE, others have narrowed that gap. In the past, once every 10 - 20 years that a team from outside of South America and Western Europe would defeat Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, etc. Today, that happens in EVERY world cup; you just don't know whether it'd be South Korea, Japan, Croatia, Morocco, Poland, Switzerland, Serbia, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Australia, the US, Canada, Australia, etc. would defeat Spain or France or England or Argentina or Brazil, etc. And these former "power houses" HAD BETTER get used to that fact, in every world cup!
This Croatian team deserves RESPECT. Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Givardiol, Livakovic etc, all of them play thier heart out and show resilience and team work. They absolutely deserved it and congratulations to them🇭🇷.
I know it wouldn't make much sense but imo this Brazilian team was just too arrogant, dancing and mocking other smaller teams even the coach was doing it saying it's a language and they failed their first real test this world cup
@@animateit4642please stfu with that nonsense. Brazil does that against anybody and they and other teams have been doing that for a long time now. STFU!
Sad for Brazil, they were like the Bulls in my childhood, dominant and everyone's favorite team.... but im happy for Croatia and more specifically Modric. Dude hasn't been getting the love for this being his last WC like the other older greats are.
I used to like Brazil but they're now too arrogant the way they danced to the South Korean team as if they were unbeatable. Brazil deserves to dance their way to their AIRPORT🤣. Congrats Croatia team, well played, great team!
@@musicful7036 It's not arrogance. It's just a different culture. They like to dance so they're not going to change just because other cultures don't like having fun while playing the game. They have always danced. I don't get why it's arrogant now.
@@mambamentality5875 if it's "culture" then why didn't Brazil dance today when they scored against Croatia ??? What Brazil did to South Korea was a total DISRESPECT and the whole WORLD saw it. Karma got Brazil today. Brazil are now dancing their way home.
Croatia is a great team. I rate them. Gvardiol has an excellent future since hes only 20 years old but he has been a colossus at the back. Plus Livakovic is a spider and brozovic-modric-kovacic is an excellent world class midfield We must NEVER underestinate croatia. They are a top tier team
Modric will get his flowers now finally now it will be Xavi Iniesta & Modric Croatia never get the respect they deserve because the haters can't accept the fact a nation of less than 4M can compete with & beat the established traditional heavyweights Tuesday Croatia will be underdogs again & when were victorious once more don't be surprised because I won't be ... 🇭🇷🔥
Modric is absolute class but he is not the best Midfielder ever to play. He is not in the top 3. Zidane, Iniesta & Xavi are better without question. You could also make cases for Steven Gerrard and Pirlo. Historically, Zico and Didi were special too
I love this Croatian team, mentality giants and absolute class on the pitch. The world cup is earned not given, so Im glad to see a laid back Brazil go home
@@clarencegaultieri8293 Argentina was the best team of the World Cup, and Messi the best in history! Its is not a coincidence. Argentina was the 2014 WC finalist, Finalissima winner, Copa America, they were 35 games undefeated before the tournament. They are the best! ☝️😎🇦🇷
Croatia doesn't depend on one player, they are all a unite on the field, playing together and covering thier spaces. I was impressed by their work rate, especially the 3 midfield players, Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic. Plus they have a every reliable GK. Congratulations to them.
Thanks a lot pal! This is very fair assessment of the game ulike many others that still underestimate or undervalue Croatian great game! Best of luck for our team! Greetings from Croatia!
Well, the stock just went up for sosa, juranovic, livakovic, and of course my blues will have to break the bank for gvardiol if they want him because his price just went up$$. Clearly hands down, brozovic, kova and the maestro modric killing it in the mid. So fluent!!. Let's go hrvatska!!!
Ale first point on Neymar is spot on. Honestly very uncharacteristic for him to not advance forward most of the game and just stand on the ball when he recieved it. But I think the reason for that is because of his injury and the strength of the Croatian defenders. Crazy how he still scored a wonderful goal, just shows of the guy's quality.
This has been game since he left Barcelona In PSG it’s always him standing with the ball and taunting defenders like it’s a futsal game! Defenders simply don’t tackle him and he simply passes to his teammate. Very annoying but watching Neymar since his Santos days his play style has always irked many fans At least when his was young, he stood on the ball then suddenly turns and accelerated past his defenders, he always had an extra gear. Now it’s cruise control
@@saeedabdullah9300 you clearly haven't watched any brazil matches In this world cup. Newmar was been outstanding in this wc especially in the Croatia game
1.He should have replaced Allison with Ederson for the shoot out, he's better shot stopper 2. how he let such a young and inexperienced player like rodrygo kick the first penalty is beyond me🤷
Always Maestro Luka Modric ♥️ --> World Cup 2018, after game 🇭🇷🇦🇷 3:0, Leo Messi 🙈 run away, didnt congrats to Croatian team. For me personally, it is not nice / sport attutide from Leo Messi, just excellent skills with ball.. For me on first place is nice / human / sport attitude. Fair play For example, Modric today after game 🇧🇷🇭🇷 was hugging some Brazilian players since were crying. That is HUMBLE ♥️ My RESPECT for Luka Modric
Croatia are a solid tournament team. Consistently solid. Theres no shock here. Nor will it be a big shock if they beat Argentina, they are just a solid tournament football side. Experienced.
Fact 1. Brazil doesn't have 1 single weakness in any position 2. Anyone who knows anything about football knows that a great team plays to its strengths. An example of the opposite is England who think they are much better than they actually are. Take foreign players away from serial A or la liga, no big deal. Take them out of the epl, it would be worse that championship football. 3. Croatia simply have better footballers in the middle of the park, capable of controlling at spreading the ball for fun. Of course this doesn't guarantee winning but it does guarantee your not getting bossed around. 4. Because of point 3 above Brazil were forced wide and in reality the only 1/2 chances they had came from the break when croatia were pushing forward. It obvious croatia pressed Brazil high and committed forward, they were prepared for penalties but certainly didn't park the bus. 5. Brazil's goal, well absolutely top shelf from a 200 million Euro player. Enough to win any game and to beat any defence in history. Simply unstoppable. 6. Croatia's goal, deserved and no surprise considering the pressing all game. When a team sets up to park the bus, it's impossible to come from 1 down, simply doesn't happen. 7. Penalties goes either way but really neynar should have stepped up earlier and lead his team by example IMHO. Enough said, no pundits needed, that's the facts. 2 semis and a final in 7 world cups from 4 million people is not amazing, it's ridiculous and unheard of other than 1930s Uruguay. Final comment. If zlatan had decided to play for croatia, he would have minimum 2 world cup winners medals and probably 3.
Honestly think Luka is the best midfielder of all time. I take him over Xavi, Iniesta, Zidane, anyone. Now everyone is doing outside of the right foot passes. His pass to Rodrygo is iconic against Chelsea. Vini did it every single game this world cup, cancelo is doing it all the time for city now
Maestro Luka Modric ♥️ ♥️♥️ --> World Cup 2018, after game 🇭🇷🇦🇷 3:0, Leo Messi 🙈 run away, didnt congrats to Croatian team. For me personally, it is not nice / sport attutide from Leo Messi, just excellent skills with ball. For me on first place is nice / human / sport attitude. Fair play For example, Modric today after game 🇧🇷🇭🇷 was hugging some Brazilian players since were crying. That is HUMBLE ♥️ My RESPECT for Luka Modric
@@dalmatiandream4452 lmfao messi is the last person u should be Taunting about humblesness💀 guy is one of the most humble person in football. & Argentina took their revenge on Croatia btw 3:0 lol also modric's team won so ofc he went on to console neymar/Brazil who lost. did he do the same to messi when argentina defeated them? No he ran away because he was defeated. Last time messi/argentina lost so ofc they won't be going to Croatia but will feel sad for their own team
We have had some awesome eras of great midfielders: Didi, Platini, Pirlo, Zidane; this is Modric’s era. He is just incredible. I hope DeBruyne can lift a UCL title someday so that he gets the respect that Modric rightfully gets. Man… Modric is just unbelievably amazing.
@@josephkerr2807 Xavi and Iniesta are best MF duo in history, but separated they struggle a little bit.. Modric however can make impact in any team he plays.. of course you cant compare one man vs Xavi-Iniesta duo... but for best comparison take a look on match ESP-CRO from EC 2012, when all players were in some peak... Modric and Rakitic dominated midfield that game, and Spain needed help from referees to win
I don’t think footballing people underestimated Croatia. To name Brazil favorites doesn’t necessarily mean you think lowly of Croatia...I thought Brazil would win but a Croatia win was not going to be a surprise
True , and VAR was nowhere to be seen ! And after watching the Argentina - Netherlands game , it is clear that FIFA has given directions to the refs to protect certain players !
Now i can say brazil was most over hyped team in this wc. Literally every soccer pundit and youtuber predicted they would win the wc. To be honest japan played better against croatia than brazil.
Yes, Brazil has been overhyped in every World Cup since 2002. Here is a fun fact. Brazil never won against a European team in the knockout stages of World Cup since their last win in 2002. So round of 16 and up they never won against a single European team since 2002. But for some odd reason they're always the favorite to win according to the 'experts'. So many sports news pundits are clowns.
Man, love the extended analysis on these knockout matches. Great stuff like Shaka talking about Brozovic occupying space that forced Neymar to drop back in order to get the ball. Not something I picked up watching the game in bits during the work day. Appreciate letting these guys talk at length, explain tactical observations, etc.
I AM SOO PROUD OF CROATIA THEYVE PLAYED OUT OF THERE MINDS THE PAST FEW TOURNAMENTS ABSOLUTELY RELENTLESS THERE MID FIELD IS INSANE AND THERE DEFENCE GRITTY AND STRONG I HOPE CROATIA CAN WIN THERE FIRST CUP IN HISTORY🔥🔥🔥
Because Brazil are too Ill disciplined and arrogant.... They forgot this isn't Copa America. Small teams from Europe have brains and organization. They get too comfortable with their reckless play and mentality... wouldn't be able to get away with it if they were in Europe
Tite paid the price for not playing 3 proper midfielders, as much good as your front players can be, you need control of the game especially when you play against a very world class midfield. Should have minus of the wingers and start Bruno Guimares or Fabinho. I always thought with that Midfield trio of Casemeiro the only DM, AM ( Paqueta)and a striker Neymar would be be destroyed against a world class Midfield trio.
Even average football fan with reasonable understanding of the game can smell the loss since the 2nd match against Switzerland 1. No sense of urgency 2. Lacking in speed / pace 3. Sub-optimal subs strategy 4. Keep playing underperforming players
The loss is culmination of subpar habits remained uncorrected throughout the tourney Did the coaching staff even watch other games? It seemed they didn't learn anything from Jpn vs Cro match
@@higherwesoarsmallerweappea8507 No, they watched Jpn vs Cro tape... 2 mins highlight tape The rest of the time, they watched 10 hours of dancing video for practice
Well played Croatia. Modric… what a player! Antony… not so much! What a weak little diver 😂 It was a joy to see his tears at the end. He needed that humbling. He’s not as good as he think he is.
Neymar is always made as a scapegoat. He scored a fantastic goal. He wasn’t even able to take his PK. Marquinhos let them down and the manager. Why do you bring on Fred? I knew as soon as he came on that Brazil were in trouble. Brazil should have wasted time or defended hard instead of getting done on the counter attack
Because scoring a goal doesn't mean you had a good game. I'm so tired of these simplistic breakdowns off football. "OH he scored a goal so he was great and we can't criticise the other 199mns when he was poor". He wasn't fully fit so he shouldn't have started but because he's a primadonna that woukd throw a tantrum they started him. You can't win a world cup playing 442 but because Neymar has to play and doesn't want to play as false 9 they weaken the team to keep him happy. Neymar didn't take a pen because he wants to be the last taker to get to get glory. He's selfish.
It also gave me a lesson...after 1-nil i will break evryone legs whether red card is given..or nt doesnt matter.....brazil shud play a bit rough games after leading and they would understnd
I could clearly remember Shaka chose Argentina to win it all at the start of the World Cup and then when they lost to Saudi Arabia, he then quickly switched his prediction to Brazil winning the World Cup 😂
Brazil only can blame themselves. Now they have 4 years to think" only if we managed the game for 5 more minutes!" I can't believe all that talent and none of them was able to keep kicking the ball outside the pitch for last 5 minutes 😑
Im brazilian, and if I ever score a goal in a world cup in my life would be so happy and would celebrate THE WAY I WANT because I deserve it..come on guys , dont be so serious and grumpy ,life is so short, learn with brazilians ,try to add more fun and joy in your life...🙌, we lost, we cried (Im still crying today when I remember 😢) but there's a phrase we use here: We are brazilians we never give up, 2026 brazil is back ❤🇧🇷, congratulations to Croatia nation, well deserved.
Im from Argentina and brasil is always the best but 7 games in a row take more than been the best. Probably in a world league of 40 matches brasil should win every single time.
Humility is the most important thing, thats why Brazil lost, well one of them. Tite used wrong tactics. Fred has been terrible, sticked out like a soar thumb. Raphinha brought his Barcelona self in these past games. Subbing out Militao was bad. We know if Argentina can win a game when they lost to Saudi with a strong lineup. But Tite changes the lineup frequently, from attack or a defense minded team. So this was 50/50 for me, Croatia controlled the game and Modric
Alejandro again, did u guys really think last World Cup finalists Croatia , who consistently produces great players wasn’t gonna stand up. I hope Croatia wins their first World Cup. They are a battered country who always stood their geounds
its sad to see that no matter what neymar does he never gets the appreciation he deserves .. i mean to talk about that game and not highlight the magical goal in the 105. minute of the extra time in a wc qf .. thats the definition of clutch and im ready here to take my country to the trophy .. for me he cementet himself as a brazil legend and an all time great with this magical goal.. 👏 and how brazil blew that 1:0 lead in the 117 minute is and the way they did it so open so unorganized absolute shocking .. GG to croatia tho they really are the survival experts in the world cup first in 2018 now again congrats and good luck 👏👏
Neymar is definitely not Legend status for Brazil. Sure he currently holds the most goals scored for Brazil with Pele, but he'll never be sitting in the same table with the likes of Garrincha, Cafu, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Carlos Alberto, Pele, etc. He'll always be known as an underachiever
@@bryanp5843 you cant really compare the brazil of ney and those from the past .. brazil was always stacked with legends but neymar had to carry them always by himself and he showed up tonight but at the back they fkd up so what do you expect him to do ? hes just overhated but skillwise he is in a league of his own
Tite literally had Fabinho and Bruno Guimarães on the bench to help them defend the result, yet he brought on Fred who was nowhere to be found in the midfield, was playing so high up the field😭😭😂😂
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