Croatia played smart they baited Brazil into only having a couple back. How can Brazil get caught like that with minutes to go, it was a game long strategy to bait them up front. Brazil got caught and Croatia knew they probably had the advantage once they got to pks. Gotta hand it to them they could have packed it in after the Newmar goal.
It was just a strategy and they handled it real good. Else, in what world were we going to see a Croatian team, being favourites ahead of Brazil.
These guys came to the pitch today with one intent and that is, to put Brazil under pressure, force them to there halve and have them defending until the last minute of the match.
Sadly, all seemed lost in extra time after Neymar scored his goal. I think the Brazil coach made a mistake by thinking he could defend it, bringing in A. Sandra, Fred and others. This was just one way to pit his side under more pressure and the Croatian team never gave up on there plan. They've managed it so far to win 2 penalty shootouts and another top team has been sent home, Brazil out!
The defeat suffered by Brazil was indeed very painful and the Selecao had to feel the curse again in the quarterfinals. I agree with you that Tite's decision in the second half of extra time was completely wrong. Tite should have been able to maintain a 1-0 score by instructing his players to set the tempo and focus more on maintaining the line of defense and Tite also had to be observant in making substitutions.
The entry of Alex Sandro and Fred was disastrous for Brazil as they looked unprepared for Croatia's increasing tempo of play and coupled with the Brazilian winger who was too late to help the defense so it was very easy for the Croatian players to find the ball to equalize. I think Tite has to take responsibility for this result and he should resign from his coaching chair.
