In what was the final quarterfinals match of the World Cup, Croatia came out on top as they defeated Russia in penalties. The hosts played hard, scoring the first of the match and coming back in extra time, but couldn’t pull the victory out.
First Half
Things got off to a fairly even start between both sides but soon enough one would see the difference.
Croatia handled the ball the majority of the time, claiming 64% possession. However, it was Russia that looked to make a much larger impact with their limited possession. Denis Cheryshev attempted the first shot of the match just two minutes. Although the ball was sent well wide, it set a tone for the Russian side.
The first clear opportunity of the match came in the 16th minute when Ilya Kutepov took down Ante Rebic just outside of the box, conceding a free kick to Croatia. Ivan Rakitic took the shot but sent it well high, allowing the opportunity to go to waste.
The first shot on goal came from nothing and had spectacular results. Artem Dzyuba sent a pass over to Cheryshev, who then put a left footed shot past the defenders in the 31st minute for his fourth goal of the World Cup.
That curve 👀#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/WqzjPRTT9c
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 7, 2018
It did not take long for Croatia to respond, as Mario Mandzukic found Andrej Kramaric in the box to head the ball in towards goal. The ball bounced just out of the reach of Igor Akinfeev for the game-tying goal.
Kramaric with the equalizer for #CRO.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/q8zXOh17Kw
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 7, 2018
Second Half
A much similar start to the second half, as Croatia controlled possession and Russia looked more aggressive on the ball.
It could be seen that Croatia came off a little more on the aggressive end on offense, moreso than the first 45 minutes.
In the 60th minute, Ivan Perisic saw a huge opportunity as Russia failed to clear the ball. As the ball fell to his feet, Perisic created room for himself in the middle of the box and let a shot off. The roller hit the left post and somehow managed to roll across the front of goal and out of bounds.
Croatia kept attacking and pressuring the Russian back line but failed to get through.
It was Russia who attempted to push the Croatian defense back in the final minutes. Regulation came to an end and the match was sent to extra time.
Extra Time
Like in their other matches in this World Cup, Russia began to start pushing their opponents back. As games progressed, the hosts found themselves as the aggressors in the latter halves of matches.
Despite the aggressiveness, Croatia was able to fend it off and strike.
Luka Modric took a corner 10 minutes into extra time, finding Domagoj Vida who sent a bouncing header through traffic and into the back of the net.
Livin la VIDA loca… We'll see ourselves out. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/ynlQpY2v0N
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 7, 2018
With Croatia pushing and maintaining their aggressive play, Josip Pivaric was shown yellow for a handball just outside of the box. This gave Russia a much needed breathe in an attempt to stave off elimination, even for just a few minutes longer.
Alan Dzagoev took the free kick and Mario Fernandes put a key header to tie the match up in the 115th minute.
Mario Fernandes keeps #RUS alive with this goal in the 115th minute.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWCpic.twitter.com/jR0JexJbht
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 7, 2018
The game went to penalties, where Luka Modric had the final kick.
Rakitic clinching #CRO's spot in the #WorldCup semifinals. #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/rb6DmspRG3
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 7, 2018
With the victory, Croatia are heading to their second semifinal ever as an independent country. The first was in 1998, where they ended up in third.
Croatia will play England, while Belgium will take on France to determine the 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists.
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