Croatia reaches World Cup quarter-finals with shootout win over Denmark

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA-Danijel Subasic saved three penalties, and the hopes of the World Cup of Croatia.

In the second consecutive session of the tournament, Croatia advanced to the quarter-finals on Sunday with a 3-2 victory against Denmark. on penalties after a draw 1-1

Subasic scored the first penalty from the penalty shoot-out from Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen. He then plunged to his right to save an attempt by substitute Lbade Schone. Finally, he used his feet to block the attempt of Nicolai Jorgensen

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"He was a hero tonight," said coach of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic. "He saved three shootout penalties, you do not see him every day."

Subasic became only the second goalkeeper to record three penalties in a World Cup shootout, corresponding to the number of shots. Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo's exploit against England in 2006.

host Russia in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Sochi. Russia also advanced on penalties, beating Spain 4-3 after another 1-1 draw

Croatia had the opportunity to take advantage late in the game at Nizhny Novgorod stadium , but Luka Modric's penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish goalkeeper, who also saved two shots on goal, plunged to his left to stifle Modric's attempt in the 116th minute.

The three stops of Subasic and the two of Schmeichel made the greatest number of shots on goal. 19659013] Modric, however, made his penalty in the shootout and Ivan Rakitic scored the decisive with a shot on the left side of the net as Schmeichel plunged the wrong way.

After surviving the shooting, Subasic had to survive the celebration. Domagoj Vida lifted the goalkeeper on his shoulders as they celebrated the victory and then abandoned him.

"He's fine," said Dalic.

Croatia entered the match after impressing in the group stage. dismantling of the double champion of Argentina in the same stage. But Denmark, undefeated in 18 games, provides strong opposition.

The Danes took the lead at the first minute when defender Mathias Jorgensen shone in a shot that pbaded beside Subasic's left hand and left post. It was Denmark's fastest goal in the World Cup.

Croatia tied in the fourth minute with another disorganized goal. The skill of Henrik Dalsgaard hit a teammate and stumbled upon Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic.

The teams stayed on for the next 116 minutes, including the 30 minutes of overtime.

But it was Schmeichel, the son Peter Schmeichel, the former goalkeeper of Denmark, extended it with his penalty, except on the attempt of Modric

The Croats were penalized when Ante Rebic was released in counterattack and cheated Schmeichel. Mathias Jorgensen – Denmark striker

Modric's shot was weak, and Schmeichel dipped to his left to smother him during the first of his three penalty stops.

In the shootout, Schmeichel saved the attempts of Milan Badelj and Josip Pivaric

"I am so sorry for Kasper and all the team," said the coach of Denmark, Age Hareide. "It's just the brutality of football."