‘He puts a spell on the penalty takers’ – Dominik Livakovic, Croatia’s hero again as he saves Brazil star Rodrygo’s spot kick to send the Europeans through to the World Cup semi-finals

Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was the hero again as he saved another penalty to help his country beat Brazil and reach the World Cup semi-finals.

The Dinamo Zagreb shot-stopper had already saved three penalty kicks in the round of 16 against Japan – and he conjured up another to shock the South Americans.

He set the tone for the shootout by saving Brazil’s first penalty – taken by Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with Croatia already 1-0 from the spot.

As Rodrygo kicked the ball, Livakovic guessed correctly and dove in with two strong hands to beat the shot away from goal.

“Livakovic is Croatia’s hero again,” said talkSPORT commentator for the game and former England striker Dean Ashton.

“Who is this man? Dominik Livakovic. He has a spell on penalty takers!

“It was brilliant from the keeper, he read it perfectly. It looked like Rodrygo was going to whip him on the left side.

“Instead, Livakovic read he was going to sidestep the other way and made an easy save at the end.”

Croatia then scored the rest of their penalties, with Brazilian star Marquinhos failing to score the vital penalty and hitting the post.

In his club career, in regular time, Livakovic saved 14 of 54 catches against him.

And even entering the tournament, he had conceded four of the five he had faced this season alone – including two scored by Olivier Giroud.

But Livakovic is now set to make history for his superb kicking abilities when it mattered most.

The shootout win means Croatia will now face the winners of Friday’s other quarter-final, Argentina v the Netherlands – live on talkSPORT.