Croatia thrills as Russia’s fairytale World Cup run ends in tears

 

SOCHI, Russia – Luka Modric admitted Croatia felt shattered after they ended Russia’s World Cup hopes in another penalty shootout on Saturday, July 7, to advance to a semifinal against England.

Ivan Rakitic scored the winning spot-kick in Sochi at the end of a draining and roller-coaster last-8 clash that finished 2-2 after extra time.

Brazilian-born Mario Fernandes kept Russia’s dream alive when he headed home in the 115th minute to level the scores and force penalties, but he and Fedor Smolov both failed to convert their spot-kicks and Croatia won the shootout 4-3.

“Another drama for us,” said the 32-year-old Modric.

“This makes us extremely proud that after 20 years we’ve reached the semis of the World Cup,” the Real Madrid midfielder added. 

“We took a difficult route and we were unlucky, particularly in previous tournaments, especially the Euros. But now we are collecting those debts in this World Cup.”

#DEN  #RUS 

Need a guy to score a winner in a #WorldCup penalty shoot-out?

Ivan Rakitic is your man! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/38eCQ9o4L6

— FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2018

Denis Cheryshev had put Russia in front in the first half but Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Vida scored for Croatia before the late leveller from Fernandes.

Croatia advance to their first World Cup semifinal since 1998, against England in Moscow on Wednesday.

But it remains to be seen how quickly the team – with President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic watching from the stands – can recover from their efforts, having also been taken to extra time and penalties by Denmark in the last round.

“At certain moments we lacked power but that’s twice in 6 days that we have played 120 minutes,” said skipper Modric.

“Of course this will leave a mark on you. You have to pay a price for such exertions.”

Croatia will now look to go one step further than the great side of 20 years ago, who lost to France in the last 4.

And then, there was four…

TUE: #FRABEL
WED: #CROENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/a9q9bNx9oe

— FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2018

 

 

While Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic shed tears of joy at the end, for Russia there was heartbreak. But they can be proud of their efforts, with a run to the last 8 exceeding expectations for a side written off as no-hopers before the tournament.

“We just wanted to prove ourselves,” said coach Stanislav Cherchesov. “The entire country is in love with us, they know what the Russian national team is worth.”

The Russians, riding a wave of euphoria after unexpectedly knocking out Spain in the previous round, came to the Black Sea beach resort determined to carry on to a first World Cup semifinal since the break-up of the Soviet Union.

But the Croatians were the favorites. They dominated the match, even if Russia contributed to another fantastic occasion in what has been an outstanding World Cup.

Cheryshev strike

The hosts went ahead thanks to a bolt from the blue just after the half-hour mark.

Cheryshev, back in the starting lineup, cut in from the left, exchanged passes with Artem Dzyuba and skipped away from a Modric challenge before firing home a superb shot from 25 yards.

Croatia was stunned. But the Russian lead lasted only 8 minutes before they drew level, Mario Mandzukic cutting the ball back for Kramaric to head home.

Ivan Perisic hit the post for Croatia in a second half they controlled but they had to wait until the 101st minute to go in front, defender Vida heading in a corner before removing his shirt as he ran away in celebration. 

However, Russia dug deep to make it 2-2, substitute Alan Dzagoev curling in a free-kick for Fernandes to head home in the 115th minute.

“For Croatia being in the semis is a great success,” said Dalic. “Of course there is some power left for the English. We do not want to stop.” – Rappler.com