Croatia won a second consecutive penalty shootout 4-3 to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2018 semifinals against the hosts. It ends the tournament for Russia, who had equalised late in extra time.
Russia’s dreams to conquer glory ended after a heartbreaking tie-breaker.
The lowest-ranked side in the competition ended as a quarterfinalist. The hosts took a first-half lead through Denis Cheryshev’s blast from distance. But Croatia equalized soon after through Andrej Kramaric.
The home fans were behind Russia, screaming every time their team went forward. Though Croatia had the better of the early chances. The second half was more cagey, as Croatia tried to probe through Russia’s back line.
Croatia came within an inch of taking the lead on the hour mark. Akinfeev tried and failed to reach a Mandzukic cross. And, the ball fell to Ivan Perisic. He tried to aim a shot inside the post only to see it come off the woodwork.
Croatia continued to dominate possession in Russia’s half. But they were failing to find the net. The match then went to the extra time with 1-1 as the scoreline.
In the first half of the extra time, Russia had an opportunity in the start when Dejan Lovren gave the ball away in his third. But he was able to recover to muscle Fedor Smolov off the ball. And, almost immediately afterward, Croatia had their winner.
Modric’s corner went straight to Vida who head it down somehow through two Russian defenders and Corluka into the corner.
When the dreams were about to broke for the hosts, they got a free kick right at the edge of the box. Dzagoev’s cross was flicked inside the back post by Fernandes to level the game in the 115th minute.
In the end, Croatia won the tie-breaker 4-3 to break the hearts of the hosts. Russia became the third World Cup hosts to have their tournament end on penalties.
FT: Russia 2-2 Croatia
Croatia won 4-3 on penalties