Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta were all on the scoresheet in a dominant first half as Samba Boys cruised into a quarterfinal matchup against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, who earlier progressed into the World Cup quarterfinals after winning a penalty shootout over Japan on Monday following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead at the Al Janoub Stadium just before half-time when he pounced following a deep free-kick into the opposing penalty box. Croatia hit back through a super header from Ivan Perisic on 55 minutes to set up a tense final half hour, although neither side could find a winner inside 90 minutes, nor in extra-time.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominic Kivakovic saved penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida before Mario Pasalic scored to claim a 3-1 win on penalties and send them through to the quarterfinal stage, where they will face Brazil.
