Team News: Brazil's Alex Sandro named on the bench for Croatia quarter-final

Brazil left-back Alex Sandro has been named on the substitutes' bench for this afternoon's World Cup 2022 quarter-final clash against Croatia.

The 31-year-old, who has missed the Selecao's last two matches with a hip problem, was a major doubt heading into the contest at Education City Stadium, with head coach Tite revealing at his pre-match press conference that the Juventus man is unlikely to feature against Croatia.

However, Sandro has recovered in time to make the bench, while Tite has decided to name an unchanged starting lineup following their impressive 4-1 win over South Korea in the last 16.

Sandro's Juve teammate Danilo will continue at left-back, joining Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Eder Militao in the back four, which will shield goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta retain their roles in centre-midfield, while a fearsome attacking quartet of Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Richarlison will look to cause havoc in the final third.

As for Croatia, Zlatko Dalic has made two changes to the side that beat Japan 3-1 on penalties in the last 16, with Borna Sosa - recovering from illness - replacing Borna Barisic at left-back, while midfielder Mario Pasalic starts ahead of striker Bruno Petkovic.

Pasalic is set to pack the midfield alongside ever-present trio Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, while Ivan Perisic could operate in a more central role alongside Andrej Kramaric in attack.

Croatia starting lineup: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Pasalic; Perisic, Kramaric

Subs: Stanisic, Barisic, Erlic, Majer, Grbic, Vlasic, Livaja, Petkovic, Budimir, Orsic, Vida, Ivusic, Sutalo, Sucic, Jakic

Brazil starting lineup: Alisson; Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison

Subs: Weverton, Ederson, Sandro, Dani Alves, Fabinho, Fred, Guimaraes, Antony, Rodrygo, Ribeiro, Bremer, Pedro, Martinelli