Match Review (RO16): Croatia v. Denmark

Croatia v Denmark
Score: 1-1 (3-2 pens)
Goals: Jorgensen 1', Mandzukic 4'
Possession: 53-47
Shots: 22-15
Man of the match: Kasper Schmeichel

In a dramatic encounter, Croatia continued their run in the World Cup breaking Danish hearts on penalties 3-2. The match started off with a bang with the Danes taking the lead just a minute in. It all came from a Sam Allardyce long throw which fell to new Dortmund man Thomas Delaney who laid it off to Jorgensen who sent a low drive past Subasic. It was the perfect start for the Danes who came in as the underdogs with Croatia still on the high from going perfect in the groups. But of course, because this World Cup couldn't get any crazier Croatia equalized just three minutes later.  Croatian right-back Sime Vrsaljko burst forward into the box and sent in a ferocious ball which was poorly cleared and fell luckily to Juventus poacher Mario Mandzukic who smashed it towards goal leaving Schmeichel flat-footed. Though the match had an exciting start, both teams settled down into the match and went back to the match we expected. Croatia controlled the ball a bit more, but Denmark still had their spells of danger. The next big opportunity fell to the Croatians though. After a cross by Rebic was pushed away to Schmeicel, the ball fell right into the path of Perisic from just ten yards out. He whiffed his first opportunity but had a second bite of the cherry but fired over. The next big chance fell to the Danes. It came from really nothing when Christian Eriksen picked the ball up on the edge of the box. He put in a cross/shot that hit the bar to the surprise of everyone in the stadium and probably Christian Eriksen too. That sent the match into halftime with both teams very evenly matched. The second half was very similar to the first. Croatia were trying to break away from the Danes but they just simply couldn't. The Danes were feisty both defensively and when they went forward and it seemed to frustrate the Croatians way more than any side did in the group stage. There were a lot of half chances for both sides to begin the half but you have to move forward to the 71st minute before you would see any real openings. The first big opening fell to Jorgensen of Denmark. Youssef Poulsen, who was brilliant all night was able to get down the right wing, and he played a nice ball into Jorgensen. Jorgensen was able to get some separation from Lovren and had enough room to get a quality shot from about 15 yards out. He had a hit and striked it right to Subasic. It was a disappointing finish for the experienced striker. This was really the only big chance for either team although Croatia were dominating most of the play. Moving into extra time Croatia were gifted a chance to win the match. Midfield maestro Luka Modric picked the ball up in midfield and played a perfectly weighted ball towards starlet Ante Rebic who got in behind the seemingly impenetrable Denmark defense. He was clean through 1v1 against the keeper. As he approached the keeper, he waltzed past the diving keeper. But then right as he was about to win the match for Croatia he was clipped from behind by goal scorer Mathias Jorgensen. Croatia were obviously awarded a penalty, but somehow Jorgensen only escaped with a yellow card and not a straight red. Captain Luka Modric stepped up. Modric, who already buried a pen this tournament and who had been playing at the top of his game all tournament seemed immortal and that there would be almost no chance he would miss. But guess what? He did. Kasper Schmeichel, to the delight of his father in the stands, stood tall and made a massive save diving to his left. Now heading into penalties you would think Denmark would have all the momentum. It seemed Schmeicel did carry on the momentum making two saves but his Danish teammates didn't do the same. Missing three penalties to send themselves home, and send the Croatians through to face Russia on Saturday.