Former Leeds United star Raphinha suffers huge World Cup heartbreak with Brazil

Barcelona winger Raphinha started Brazil’s first two group stage games in Qatar before being rested for the group stage finale against Cameroon ahead of which Tite’s side were already through. The ex-Whites ace was then back in the starting line up for the round of 16 blitz of South Korea and Raphinha bagged a fourth World Cup start in Friday afternoon’s first quarter-final against Croatia.

The former Leeds star lined up on the right wing as part of a front four that also featured Neymar, Vinicius Jr and Richarlison but the 25-year-old struggled to make an impact during a first half which ended goalless. There was more frustration after the interval and Raphinha was taken off as boss Tite made his first substitution in bringing on Manchester United winger Antony in the 56th minute.

Rodrygo also replaced Vinicius Jr eight minutes later and Brazil were thwarted by some strong goalkeeping by Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic. With the score still goalless, Richarlison was also hooked with six minutes left as Pedro was brought on but Croatia survived another four minutes of added time and the game went to extra time following a 0-0 draw.

Antony proved particularly menacing on the right flank but Croatia looked to have survived the first half of extra time. However, in the sole minute of first half stoppage time, Neymar broke Croatian hearts by netting a fine goal after a brilliant one-two out of nothing with Pedro. The strike saw Neymar draw level with Brazil legend Pele on a record number 77 goals for his country.

The game looked destined to end in a 1-0 victory for Brazil after extra time but Croatia surged forward in the 116th minute and drew level as Bruno Petkovic finished off a sweeping move. The strike took the game to penalties but Croatia were instantly handed the advantage as Rodrygo saw his spot kick saved. Brazil were then sent crashing out when Marquinhos sent his penalty against the post after four successful kicks from Croatia.

Raphinha exits having failed to bag an assist or goal in Qatar and Croatia will now play the winners of Friday night’s second semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina in the last four. After Saturday afternoon’s third quarter-final between Portugal and Morocco, England face France in the final last eight clash on Saturday night. Brazil had been clear favourites to win the World Cup and France are now top of the betting at 3-1, followed by Argentina at 18-5. Both England and Portugal are 5s. Croatia are 9s, Netherlands are 10s and Morocco outsiders at 33s.