Shootout drama as Russia’s run ends

NYET this time. Though Russia made it further at this year’s World Cup than anyone expected, it was Croatia that advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-3 shootout victory yesterday after a 2-2 draw.

The over-achieving host, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at No. 70, was trying to make it to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since the Soviet Union finished fourth at the 1966 tournament in England.

“I left everything on the field and unfortunately we were unlucky,” Russia’s Roman Zobnin said. “We gave everything we could.”

The Croats hadn’t advanced this far at the World Cup since 1998, when the country made its first appearance.

With the crowd silenced after a goal from Croatia defender Domagoj Vida in the 101st minute, Russia defender Mario Fernandes scored to send the match to yet another penalty shootout. Fernandes sent his penalty kick wide of the net in the shootout, giving Croatia the advantage.

Both goalkeepers made early saves in the shootout, with an injured Danijel Subasic stopping the opening shot from Fedor Smolov. Igor Akinfeev later blocked an attempt from Mateo Kovacic.

At 1-1, Fernandes missed his shot — only the second player to miss in any of the four shootouts at this year’s Cup. The teams then traded two scores before Ivan Rakitic calmly scored the winner.