Led by 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, the European side skated past Japan in the Round of 16 on penalties to arrive in the quarterfinals despite just one victory through four matches thus far.
Below are the confirmed lineups for both teams based on the latest news leading up to the match.
One thing to keep in mind is yellow card accumulation, which could see key players suspended for the semifinal if they’re booked in this match. However, if players currently on a yellow can survive this match without another caution, all bookings are wiped for the semifinal, meaning no player can miss the final due to yellow card accumulation.
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Croatia vs Brazil lineups, team news
Brazil players received some criticism for their choreographed goal celebrations while running up the score on Round of 16 opponents South Korea in the first half.
Head coach Tite even got in on the action, and defended his team by explaining it is their “culture” to dance while celebrating.
“It is a connection I have with the younger generation - they could be my grandchildren,” Tite said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Croatia. “If I have to dance to be connected with them I will continue to dance.”
“I’m not going to apologise when it’s our culture to dance and have fun. I will not make comments on those who do not know Brazil history and culture like we do.”
Below are the starting lineups for both teams ahead of their match at Education City Stadium on Friday, December 9.
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Croatia starting 11
(4-3-3, right to left): 1. Livakovic (GK) — 22. Juranovic, 6. Lovren, 20. Gvardiol, 19. Sosa — 10. Modric, 11. Brozovic, 8. Kovacic — 9. Kramaric, 16. Pasalic, 4. Perisic.
Injured: Josip Stanisic, Borna Sosa Suspended: None
The biggest issue for Croatia is a muscle injury to full-back Josip Stanisic, who missed the Round of 16 win over Japan. Josip Juranovic filled in and went the distance, playing extremely well. His full-back counterpart, Borna Sosa, also missed that game due to illness, with Borna Barisic stepping in, and it’s thought Sosa could return.
Luka Modric is on a yellow card and would be suspended for the semifinal with another booking, as would Barisic, Mateo Kovacic and Dejan Lovren.
Brazil starting 11
(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Alisson (GK) — 14. Eder Militao, 4. Marquinhos, 3. Silva, 2. Danilo — 5. Casemiro, 7. Paqueta — 11. Raphinha, 10. Neymar, 20. Vinicius Jr — 9. Richarlison
Injured: Gabriel Jesus, Alex Telles, Alex Sandro Suspended: None
Brazil have a number of injuries to worry about. Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles are out of the tournament after suffering injuries in the final group-stage game against Cameroon.
Alex Sandro was hoping to shake off his hip injury after missing the Round of 16 win over South Korea, with Eder Militao having filled in at right-back. Danilo and Neymar returned for that game following ankle injuries and are part of an unchanged XI.
Militao is on a yellow card and would be suspended for the semifinal with another booking, as are Fred and Bruno Guimaraes.
Croatia vs Brazil World Cup squads
Here are the 26 players on the Croatia and Brazil World Cup squads in Qatar:
