Match Review (QF): Croatia v. Russia

Croatia v Russia
Score: 2-2 (4-3 pens)
Goals: Cheryshev 31', Kramaric 39', Vida 101', Fernandes 114'
Possession: 64-36
Shots: 17-13
Man of the match: Danijel Subasic (5S)

In an emotional rollercoaster of a match, Croatia knocked out the hosts winning their second consecutive penalty shootout on their way to the semis. The match started off with Croatia on top. They controlled possession and limited Russian counter attacks. They created one or two chances in the early offerings. The big chance fell to flamboyant winger Ante Rebic. A corner was swung in and found the head of Liverpool man Dejan Lovren. He headed the ball across to Rebic who was free, but his header was just lofted over the bar. Despite Croatia's slight dominance, the Russians were the first to strike, and what a strike it was. Russian starlet Denis Cheryshev was laid the ball off by Artem Dyzuba about 25 yards out. He took one touch and had a hit with his left foot. It was hit to absolute perfection and curled it's way into the top corner keeping Subasic flat-footed. It was a glorious moment for the Russian fans and for Cheryshev who has had a fantastic tournament thus far. Croatia didn't take long to equalize though, quickly ending any Russian joy. After a turnover from a throw-in, Croatia played Mario Manzukic in on the left wing. As he ran into the box unchallenged, he was able to pick up his head and sent a solid cross right onto the head of his number ten Kramaric headed home. It seemed like a goal that came from nothing but definitely did the job and brought Croatia level going into the half. The second half was a grudge match between both sides. Both trying not to be the first to make a mistake that could possibly end their World Cup campaigns. This ended up making a pretty uneventful second half with a lot of the best chances ending in easy saves for the respective keeper of each country. This sent the match into extra time where both teams were able to get on the scoresheet. The first goal came to Croatia and came from Besiktas center back Domagoj Vida. A corner was put into the area by midfield maestro Luka Modric, and it found the head of Vida. Vida headed a tame header towards the net. Akinfeev, the Russian keeper, was put off by Croatian center back Corluka who standing in front of him and the ball just rolled into the bottom corner sending the whole nation of Croatia into pandemonium. But just six minutes until the full-time whistle Russia equalized and refused to die. The Russians won a free kick just outside the box, and veteran midfielder Alan Dzagoev stepped up. He put in a perfect cross which found the head of Brazilian born right-back Mario Fernandes whose glancing header went past Subasic to equalize and send the Olympic stadium into a frenzy. With all the momentum heading into the shootout you had to favor Russia. But it wasn't their day from the spot as Croatia took the shootout 4-3 with Ivan Rakitic slotting in the final blow for the hosts. Croatia will face England on Wednesday in Moscow for a chance at the final on Sunday.