Modric saved from Rak and ruin

IVAN RAKITIC was Croatia’s penalty shoot-out hero after Luka Modric missed a spot-kick to settle it in extra-time.

But Russia must surely fancy their chances of beating the Croats when they meet in Sochi on Saturday for their quarter-final clash.

Croatia were a shadow of the side that stormed through their group with maximum points.

Denmark stunned their opponents inside a minute when Croatia failed to deal with a long throw from Ipswich full-back Jonas Knudsen.

There was panic in the box and as the ball made its way to Mathias Jorgensen, the from EDDIE KIRK Huddersfield defender squeezed a shot past Croatia keeper Danijel Subasic.

Croatia were level inside four minutes when an attempt to clear Sime Vrsaljko’s cross was slammed into the face of Andreas Christensen and Mario Mandzukic scuffed a shot home.

The excitement fizzled out, although Christian Eriksen almost fluked a second for Denmark when his floated cross hit the woodwork. The quality did not improve after the break and extra-time brought more of the same.

And then Modric blew the chance to settle it from the penalty spot with four minutes of extra-time remaining, Kasper Schmeichel saving his tame penalty after Mathias Jorgensen had felled Ante Rebic when clean through.

But after Denmark and Croatia missed their opening penalties in the shoot-out, Modric redeemed himself before Rakitic held his nerve from 12-yards after Nicolai Jorgensen saw his effort saved by Subasic’s legs.