Dominik Livakovic: Fans Hail Penalty Expert As Croatia Stun Brazil

• Dominik Livakovic was once again Croatia's hero as Brazil suffered yet another World Cup heartbreak
• Neymar first broke the game's deadlock but Croatia restored parity before going on to stun the five-time world champions
• Livakovic becomes the third goalkeeper to save as many as four penalties in shootouts at a single FIFA World Cup tournament

Dominik Livakovic produced yet another goalkeeping masterclass as Croatia progressed to the semifinals at the expense of Brazil.

Livakovic literally carried the 2018 World Cup finalists to the quarterfinals after making three saves during penalty shootouts in their last 16 tie against Japan.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper proved pivotal once more as Croatia stunned Brazil to reach back-to-back World Cup semifinals.

He thwarted the efforts of Brazil's precocious attack throughout the 90 minutes, making a staggering eight saves in regulation time.

Mexico's World Cup Squad 2022: Is Ochoa playing in this World Cup?

Football

The Dinamo Zagreb custodian however collected the ball from the net in the dying embers of the first extra time. Croatia will rally back and score a stunning goal on the counter-break with three minutes left on the clock.

Dubbed the "Croatian Wall", Livakovic came out on top once again as he made yet another save to help the 2018 World Cup runners-up surprise Brazil.

Below are some of the comments from social media hailing Livakovic:

@iris4justice praised the Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper:

"Spectacular goalkeeper."

@Khusivai extolled the goalkeeping abilities of Livakovic:

"Man with magnetic hand."

@NeonLig52539524 said:

"He's carrying Croatia while standing."

@julesbreach praised the 27-year-old shot-stopper:

"Livakovic was brilliant in goal for Croatia throughout the game and made a crucial save early in the shootout - deserved to be the hero."

@_54sas added:

"Give this guy his flowers. What an outstanding performance from him!"

Croatia stun Brazil

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Croatia stunned favourites Brazil to reach the World Cup semi-finals on Friday, winning 4-2 on penalties after a nailbiting last-eight tie finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.

Qatar 2022: Ghanaian fans devour Baba Rahman after costly mistake against Portugal

Football

Marquinhos missed the crucial spot-kick in the shoot-out, hitting the post when he had to score to keep Brazil in it after Rodrygo's earlier attempt had been saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and Croatia converted all four penalties.

It was a remarkable turnaround after Brazil had looked set for victory when Neymar opened the scoring with a wonderful strike midway through extra time that allowed him to equal Pele's Brazilian record of 77 international goals.