KEEPER SAVES 3 PENALTIES AND CROATIA’S WC HOPES

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia – Croatia showed none of the spark that marked their romp through the group phase but still did enough to edge Denmark in their round-of-16 clash on Sunday and ensure it will take on Russia in the World Cup quarterfinals next weekend.

They triumphed 3-2 on postmatch penalties after a 1-1 stalemate at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, having squandered a chance to wrap up the match five minutes from the end of extra time.

Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic made three saves in the shootout –only the second to do so in World Cup history after Portugal’s Ricardo against England in 2006.

“He was our hero tonight, he saved three penalties in a shootout,” said Dalic.

“You don’t see that every day. He pulled us through when we needed him most.”