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Croatia struggles but proves it belongs to be among the best

By Clemente Lisi

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JULY 01: Josip Pivaric, Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren of Croatia celebrate after winning a penalty shootout during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Croatia and Denmark at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JULY 01: Josip Pivaric, Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren of Croatia celebrate after winning a penalty shootout during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Croatia and Denmark at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Croatia is no longer be considered an underdog at this World Cup. This is a team that proved against Denmark that they deserve a place among the final eight.

Those wanting another upset after watching Russia overcome Spain on penalty kicks earlier in the day on Sunday were surely disappointed. Denmark was unable to do the impossible as Croatia got the win on penalty kicks to earn passage to the quarterfinals.

Croatia is at a point at this tournament that it can no longer be considered an upset when they do well. This is a team that’s gone from a potential contender to a dark horse to among the final eight at Russia 2018. The team wore black and blue for this game, a fitting color given how they felt for most of it. Battered and bruised, this is a team that persevered and ultimately won.

This may be a team loaded with stars, but it wasn’t easy against Denmark. For those who habitually watch Europe’s top leagues know the names of this Croatia lineup: Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic and Ivan Ratikic, just to name a few. This is a team in the midst of a golden generation, much like Belgium and France, and among some of the best teams in the world to watch. The round of 16 drama against Denmark proved that once and for all. 

In a tournament full of drama and upsets, Croatia has given us some of both in the group stage and now as it marches to the quarterfinals. In defeating Denmark on penalties, Croatia is sending a message to the rest of the remaining field that they’re for real. Only a foolish opponent would underestimate them. Just ask Argentina and now Denmark.

The Danes did frustrate Croatia, but their class and talent prevailed in the end. The best teams find a way to win amid adversity. It isn’t always pretty, but they find a way. Croatia did that, despite being frustrated by Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel all evening during extra time and in the shootout. Modric, Mandzukic and Perisic didn’t have the best game of their careers, but they managed to win despite the fatigue. Their energy zapped halfway through the second half, but the will to win was always there. 

Next: Russia dump Spain on penalties

What Croatia has done borders on the miraculous. The team’s manager Zlatko Dalic took over just last October after a string of poor results. Dalic was able to turn things around in a short amount of time, a sign of this team’s talent and resourcefulness. It came in handy as Croatia won following a marathon 120-minute match and stress-filled penalty-kick shootout.  

Croatia now faces Russia on Saturday in the quarterfinals. Croatia has time to rest those tired legs. Most Russians probably didn’t watch this game if the streets of Moscow are any indication. Fans celebrated the night away after Russia beat Spain in a penalty-kick shootout.

The host nation are clearly the underdogs in this one. Croatia can no longer claim that moniker. This is a side that has matured tremendously in recent months and over the past few weeks. Anything short of the semifinals would be considered a disappointment for a team that’s grown accustomed to winning.

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