Croatia and Denmark met in what would be the second game of the knockout stage to be decided by a shootout. The first just so happened to take place earlier in the day.
First Half
The first half opened in frenetic fashion. It took little time for both teams to score. Mathias Jorgensen opened up the scoring for Denmark.
The Danish goal took a minute and twenty seconds to arrive. However, it would not take much time for Croatia to answer.
Mario Mandzukic found the ball inside the box and buried it in the back to the net to even the score at one a piece.
Two goals were scored in a span of 4 minutes.
The game changed dramatically from that point on as both defenses settled on the pitch playing good defense.
Croatia remained active playing wide while Denmark took a more passive role as they waited on Croatia for an opportunity to counter attack.
The Danish squad got physical in order to stop the Croatian XI. Nonetheless, Croatia (Just as Denmark) lacked finish in front of the box.
Halftime arrived and the score was tied 1-1.
Second Half
Denmark was much more aggressive during the opening minute of the second half. They controlled ball possession and moved forward looking for a goal. That lasted around 15 minutes since the game lowered its pace as the hour mark arrived.
The game got stuck in the middle of field despite defensive attempts by Croatia. Denmark was unable to get a hold of the ball.
Despite not having many offensive chances Ante Rebic and Luka Modric remained active for Croatia up front. They did not have much luck as most of their shots were easily handled by Kasper Schmeichel.
Croatia and Denmark were still tied at the end of 90 minutes of play. The game was headed to overtime.
Overtime
Denmark, once again, showed some offense for the start of overtime. They did a good job on moving quickly through the field, putting pressure on Croatia.
Fatigue became evident and both teams settled for a slower offensive pace. Set pieces became crucial in order to generate big chances on offense.
From the start. Of the second half of overtime, it was evident that Croatia had a little bit more left in the tank. They controlled ball possession while the Danish squad stayed back doing defensive work.
Rebic was taken down inside the. Box during. The last minute of overtime and a penalty was awarded to Croatia. Modric had the fate of the game at his feet.
Real Madrid’s own missed his golden opportunity, failing to give Croatia the lead and sending the game to a penalty shootout.
The Shootout
Denmark won the coin toss and the decided to kick first.
Christian Eriksen failed to convert for Denmark on the opening kick. So did Croatia’s Milan Badelj. Modric found the back of the net this time around.
Lasse Shone and Nicolai Jorgensen missed consecutive kicks for Denmark, The outcome of the game once again rested on the feet of a Croatian player.
Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic placed the ball in the middle of the net. Beating Denmark 3-2 on the shootout and advancing the round of eight.
The Croatian squad will clash with the hosts Russia this upcoming Saturday.