Croatia stutter closer to World Cup glory
Croatia players in blue jersey celebrating their victory over Deenmark CROATIA made heavy weather in Nizhny Novgorod. and looked lethargic - until just of beating Denmark in their In an extraordinary opening, before the end when he showed worst performance of the tourboth teams scored comical goals his class with a perfect long nament, but will seek to redisin the first four minutes. But instead pass that drew a foul in the area cover their fluency in a weekend of that setting the stage from Danish keeper Kasper showdown against Russia for a for a thriller, the rest of normal Schmeichel. place in the World Cup semifiand extra-time was mostly poor The 32-year-old, now one of nals. quality, as Denmark successfully the biggest names left in Russia
Victory over the hosts in Sochi stifled Croatia's creativity and given the early exits of Lionel on Saturday would put Croatia, posed their own constant threat Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, led by the wispy and shimmering from long throws. hit a tame shot that Schmeichel midfielder Luka Modric, close to On both sides, passes were saved, and punched the air in their best ever showing – third in mistimed, crosses over-hit, and anger minutes later as the whistle 1998.Yet how they struggled to shots scuffed. went for a dreaded penalty get past dogged Denmark in Sunday's Modric, so devastating in the shootout. slightly surreal last 16 game group stage, hung oddly deep Nevertheless, Modric bravely returned to take - and convert - a spot kick, while goalkeeper Danijel Subasic saved three from Denmark. Croatia's 3-2 shootout win saw fireworks, flares and roars rise from crowds of fans back home in Zagreb.
"We haven't played a great game ... Without luck, you cannot do anything in life," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic told reporters, after he had calmed down from celebrating with fans and players.
Russia, who also won a penalty shootout against Spain on Sunday after keeping them at bay with an energy-sapping rearguard performance, will have taken careful note of how those same defensive qualities frustrated Croatia against Denmark.
They, too, will look to shackle the likes of Modric and fellow midfielder Ivan Rakitic, and then hit on the counter as they have done with such surprising success at the tournament.
Dalic said once the euphoria of reaching the quarterfinal was over, he would tell his team to avoid arrogance and prepare as if they were playing "the best team in the World Cup".
But in truth he will know Russia are an inferior side, and his team have a fantastic chance of emulating the famous 'Class of 1998' who came third in France. -SuperSport