Croatia beat Russia on penalties in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Here are all the highlights from the match.
Croatia came from behind and gave up a lead, before beating Russia on penalties to advance to their first World Cup semifinal since 1998.
The match was hardly a classic, but the opening goal was among the best of the tournament. Denis Cheryshev, who has emerged as one of Russiaās key players since coming in for the injured Alan Dzagoev in the tournament opener, controlled a loose ball before curling a beautiful shot into the top corner.
The goal came completely against the run of play. Despite Croatiaās dominance of possession, however, they generally struggled to get in behind the Russian defense, or to create clear sights of goal. Luka Modric was operating too deep to make an impact in the final third, while Mario Mandzukic was often isolated.
And yet it took them only eight minutes to get back into the game after going behind. Andrej Kramaric was the scorer, heading in Mandzukicās cross after a flowing Croatia move, helped by a sizable hole down the right side of Russiaās defense. Still, sloppy defending or not, it was hard to argue Croatia didnāt deserve to be level.
Modric and co. continued to dominate in the second half, but against without consistently getting in behind the Russian defense. Their best opportunity came on the hour mark, when Ivan Perisic controlled in a crowded penalty area before drilling a shot off the inside of the post. That was as close as either side went in the second half, as the match went to extra time.
Croatia got the winner in the 101st minute, Domogaj Vida heading in a corner after an excellent run by Modric. Fatigue and injuries were beginning to take there toll, however, with Sime Vrsaljko forced off, Mandzukic out on his feet and Danijel Subasic struggling with a hamstring injury picked up toward the end of regular time.
Russia responded well, pouring bodies forward in search of an equalizer. They finally got their break in the 115th minute from another set-piece. Mario Fernandes was the scorer, heading in a free-kick from Dzagoev to send the hosts to their second penalty shootout in as many knockout matches.
Subasic saved the first penalty, a weak effort from Fyodor Smolov, but Akinfeev denied Mateo Kvacic two kicks later to keep it level. Fernandes then missed his kick to allow Modric, very fortunately, to give Croatia a 2-1 lead. Vida and Rakitic both scored to send Croatia into their first semifinal since 1998.
Next: The best player on every team at the World Cup
Highlights
The winner will play England in the semifinal on Wednesday, July 11.