Croatia advances to quarter-finals after Danish penalty win against Denmark

Croatia came back after conceding the first minute in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after defeating Denmark 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out after both teams drew a draw 1-1 in the round of 16 on Sunday. They could have finished the result five minutes from the end of the extra time, but Luka Modric had his penalty stopped by Kasper Schmeichel, as a largely pedestrian match produced a thrilling finish.

However, the Croatian captain bravely returned Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic saved three of Denmark's efforts to stage a quarter-final encounter with hosts Russia, who also won a draw earlier Sunday against Spain after a 1-1 draw. Modric's sublime pbad that gave Ante Rebic the advantage before being shot by Mathias Jorgensen, and offered Croatia a chance to win just before the shootout.

But five minutes from the end, Schmeichel succeeded in stopping -1 impbade int act. "It was a very difficult game, we conceded in the first minute, then we tied, we missed a goalie, we had no penalties, we had chances but we stayed strong, mentally composed, and we finished by winning, "said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic

two chaotic goals in the first four minutes of the match for a dazzling start at the Nizhny Novgorod stadium. false dawn while the show fainted, both sides choosing caution because of the rare opportunities to reach the last eight.

Jorgensen took the 57 seconds to break through Croatia's defense at the end of a long session of Jonas Knudsen He kicked the ball with his left foot while he l & rsquo; Picked up teammate Thomas Delaney

Subasic helped Jorgensen, but deflected the ball over his own line.

There was a comedy element in the equalization of Mario Mandzukic in the 4th minute, the advantage of Denmark quickly disappeared

PINBALL

A kick in the Danish defense has was pushed back by Henrik Dalsgaard but directly against his teammate Andreas Christensen, creati A pinball effect that saw the ball fall for Mandzukic, who then cleverly turned it into a close net.

The anticipated influence of Christian Eriksen for the Danes and Modric Croatian left hope for a more enticing action but their Eriksen razed the woods just before half-time with a speculative effort while, at the time of On the other end, Ivan Rakitic forced an intelligent stoppage by Schmeichel

. Croatia has accelerated the pace towards the end of regulation time to throw itself into a resolute defense of Denmark.

Knudsen 's extra time was the most dangerous offensive weapon in overtime.

"It's a weird feeling, huge disappointment, but also huge pride in our team," Schmeichel said.

"I think we had the opportunity today, I think we were the best team in the second half and the extra time."

"I do not think we have been lucky, i do not think the referee pleased us today, it is hard to accept there are a lot of emotions right now. "