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Luka Modric admitted Croatia was worn out after it ended Russia's World Cup hopes in another penalty shootout on Saturday and the first World Cup semifinal since 1998, against England in Moscow on Wednesday.
Ivan Rakitic scored the winning spot -kick at the end of a draining-and-roller-coaster last-eight clash that finished 2-2 after extra time
Brazilian-born Mario Fernandes kept in his head. Forty, but he and Fedor Smolov both failed to convert their spot-kicks and won the shootout 4-3.
Denis Cheryshev had put Russia in front in the first half goal Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Vida scored for Croatia before late leveller from Fernandes.
Strenuous effort
But it remains to be seen how quickly the team – with President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic watching from the stands – can recover from its efforts, havin
"At certain times we missed power but that's twice in six days we played 120 minutes," said skipper Modric. "Of course this will leave a mark on you. You have to pay a price for such exertions. "
" It makes us extremely proud. "
and again, "Modric added.
" We took a difficult route. We were unlucky at previous tournaments but now we are collecting these debts, and hopefully we will go a step further than in 1998. "
While Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic shed tears of joy at the end, for Russia there was heartbreak
But it can be proud of its efforts.
"We just wanted to prove ourselves," said coach Stanislav Cherchesov. "The whole country is in love with us, they know what the Russian national team is worth."
The Russians, riding a wave of euphoria after unexpectedly knocking out Spain in the previous round to the first semifinal World Cup since the break-up of the Soviet Union
Dominating
Goal Croatia was the favorite. It dominated the match, even if Russia contributed to another fantastic opportunity in an outstanding World Cup.
The host went ahead after the half hour mark. Cheryshev, back in the starting line-up, exchanged passes with Artem Dzyuba and a fantastic shot from 25 yards.
Croatia was stunned. But the Russian lead, Mario Mandzukic the ball back to Krameric to head home.
Ivan Perisic hit the post for Croatia in a second half it controlled but it had to wait until the 101st minute to go in front, defender Vida heading in a corner before removing his heels in celebration.
However, Russia dug deep to make it 2-2, substitute Alan Dzagoev curling in a free-kick for Fernandes to head home in the 115th minute.
"For Croatia being in the seed is a great success," said Dalic. "Of course there is some power left for the English. We do not want to stop. "
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