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NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia (Reuters) – Croatia showed in their minds of the world they were going to be in the middle of the stage. the World Cup quarter-finals next weekend.
They triumphed 3-2 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, having squandered a chance to wrap up the match
Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made a brilliant stop to deny Luka Modric's penalty shootout but still came out on the post-match Sincerely, I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what's going to happen to me. "
Modric put aside the anguish of squandering shootout and co One of his team's kicks.
"It can happen that you miss a penalty but I am fascinated with his determination to shoot after he missed in extra time," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.
TRUE CAPTAIN
"He took the responsibility for a true captain and it speaks volumes for Luka. He said it himself `I'm going to take a penalty in the shootout`. Can you imagine if he had not scored? But he is a great player. "
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 do not see that every day. He pulled us out when we needed him most. "
Mathias Jorgensen took a 57-second break from the chase. Croatia defence at the end of a long throw-in by Jonas Knudsen, with Thomas Delaney to score the quickest goal of the tournament.
The lead lasted one minute and 52 seconds and there was an element of comedy to the equalizer for Mario Mandzukic.
PINBALL EFFECT
A kicking down the Danish defense by Henrik Dalsgaard Andreas Christensen, creating a pinball effect that the ball fall for Mandzukic, who then expertly turned it into the net from just meters out.
Possibilities for the second time, and Christian Eriksen missed a contribution.
Croatia sparked only occasionally too.
"It was really the small margins that it decided," said Denmark coach Age Hareide.
"We had a chance to win against Croatia. I would like to say that they have had a good time. "
Croatia had catapulted themselves into the category of 'strong outside bet' for World Cup Their team's chances in the next round.
"I am going to say to my lads that we will be playing the best team in the World Cup," said Dalic on Saturday's quarter-final.
"We must not be arrogant, it will be a huge test for us. But I'm sure Russia thinks the same. "
(Editing by Clare Fallon)
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