At 20:00, Croatia and Russia kicked off in Sochi for the quarterfinal matchup of the World Cup.
Croatia and Russia fought in the quarterfinal of the World Cup for a place in the semifinal against England. Five thousand Croatians made their way to Sochi for the decisive match.
Immediately in the second minute of the match, Russia threatened Croatia, though Croatia’s defense was able to stop any danger from their attack. Shortly after, Ante Rebić had a chance which just missed Russia’s goal. Mandžukić had a chance in the 11th, but the Croatian attacker was unlucky. Rakitić had a free kick in the 20th minute from 20-meters out, but went high over the goal.
Both teams continued to attack, and in the 30th minute, it was Russia’s Cheryshev to score first from 30 meters out. 1:0 for Russia.
Croatia didn’t allow their lead to last, and in the 39th minute, a stunning cross from Mandžukić found the head of Kramarić to make it 1:1! The game ended 1:1 at the half.
Croatia came out attacking in the second half, and a scissor kick by Kramarić was stopped by the Russia keeper in the 49th minute. In the 58th minute, Rebić shot from 20 meters out, but went high over the goal.
Croatia had an unbelievable chance by Perišić in the 60th minute but the ball hit the far post and bounced to the other side. Everyone in Croatia celebrated as if it was a goal, but the game remained 1:1.
Brozović went in for Perišić in the 62nd minute. In the 72nd minute, Russia’s Smolov hit over the post. Pivarić went in for Strinić in the 72nd minute.
Croatia had an incredible chance in the 76th minute, but Vrsaljko’s shot was blocked for a Croatia corner.
Croatia had a chance from a corner in the 81st minute, but Lovren’s header hit over the post.
5 minutes were added, and neither team was able to score. The game went into extra time.
In extra time, Vrsaljko was substituted for Ćorluka.
In the 101st minute, Croatia lead with a goal by Vida! 2:1 Croatia.
Subašić made an incredible save in the 110th to save a Russia goal… the game remained 2:1, Croatia continued to attack.
Pivarić’s handball gave Russia a free kick outside the box in the 113th minute. Russia scored to equalize 2:2.
The second half went without another goal, and the game went into penalties.
Russia goes up first with an insane save by Subašić! Brozović steps up for Croatia to score a stunner. 1:0 Croatia!
Russia’s next shooter scores, and Kovačić misses for Croatia. Penalties are equal.
Fernandes misses for Russia, and Modrić scores for Croatia!
Russia’s next shooter scores, and Vida scores for Croatia!
Russia scores their next, and it’s up to Rakitić to seal the deal. Rakitić scores, and Croatia is in the semis!!!
