Highlights Russia vs Croatia, FIFA World Cup 2018, Quarter-final at Sochi: Croatia clinch tie in penalties

The semi-final line-up! 

And then, there was four...

TUE: #FRABEL
WED: #CROENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/a9q9bNx9oe

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2018

Semi-finalists!

🇷🇺🆚🇭🇷
IT'S ALL OVER! What drama in Sochi - but it's #CRO against @England in the @FIFAWorldCup semifinals!#BeProud #FlamingPride #Family #RUSCRO #WorldCup #Vatreni🔥 pic.twitter.com/LimKfKCBDq

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) July 7, 2018

It ends in heartbreak for Russia as Croatia edge them out 4-3 in penalties – an exciting campaign for the hosts ends with an undaunted display of passion but while they struggled with their nerves in the penalty shootout, fortune favoured the Croatians for the second time in as many consecutive knockout matches. Luka Modric and co. now face Gareth Southgate’s England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday.

Croatia for the second game in a row progress on penalties. Heartbreak for Russia but they can be proud of their efforts

#CROENG on Wednesday for a place in the #WorldCupFinal! #RUSCRO // #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/RHGUtqeGHK

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2018

AET: Russia 2-2 Croatia (Croatia win 4-3 on penalties)

Ivan Rakitic’s winning penalty sends Croatia through to the semi-finals against England after a thrilling quarter-final

ALL OVER! Croatia win 4-3 on penalties

Croatia reach the semi-finals after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout win over Russia. The hosts’ journey ends in the quarter-finals. Sochi is in shock!

Penalties: Russia 3-3 Croatia

Kuziaev scores, but Croatia will win it if they convert the next penalty

Penalties: Russia 2-3 Croatia

Vida scores! Croatia on the brink

Penalties: Russia 2-2 Croatia

Ignashevic scores! Russia are level but have used one kick more

Penalties: Russia 1-2 Croatia

Luka Modric puts Croatia in front. But he is extremely lucky as the penalty bounces off the post

Penalties: Russia 1-1 Croatia

MISS! Mario Fernandes drags it wide. The man who got Russia to extra time puts them in danger of falling behind

Penalties: Russia 1-1 Croatia

SAVE! Akinfeev makes a brilliant low save from Real Madrid’s Kovacic. It stays at 1-1

Penalties: Russia 1-1 Croatia

Alan Dzagoev scores! Russia are level, but have shot one spot kick more

Penalties: Russia 0-1 Croatia

Marcelo Brozovic sends one in the top corner. Akinfeev dives the right way but can’t stop it

Penalties: Russia 0-0 Croatia

SAVE! Smolov tries to dink it but Subasic saves. Croatia have chance to take the lead in the shooout

It’s time! The dreaded penalty shootout is up next! Akinfeev and Subasic have chance to become hero. Russia to shoot first. Teams that have shot first have lost all three shootouts in this World Cup so far

AET: Russia 2-2 Croatia

Two goals in the first ninety minutes, two more in the next thirty minutes – the momentum now rests with Russia but penalty shootouts are a different ballgame altogether. Irrespective of the result hereafter, the emotions of the players as well as the crowd are already on the edge. While jubilation of either side is inevitable, heartbreaks are bound to happen as well for both teams were beyond sensational in extra-time – Croatia overcoming fatigue and Russia coming from behind to level the playing field.

AET: Russia 2-2 Croatia

Penalties it is! The final quarter-final between Russia and Croatia will be decided from the spots. Both Russia and Croatia came via that route in the last 8, they will have to do it again if they are to set up a semi-final date with England

120’  Russia 2-2 Croatia

1 minute of stoppage time added.

117’  Russia 2-2 Croatia

And Russia equalize!!! The fairytale continues for Stanislav Chercheshov and his band of merry men. Dzagoev found Fernandes with his free-kick who directed it into the far corner to keep the Russian challenge alive!

114’  Russia 2-2 Croatia

GOAL! Mario Ferdandes equalises for Russia with a header into the bottom corner from an Alan Dzagoev free-kick. It’s all square again with six minutes to play

113’  Russia 1-2 Croatia

Subasic, in spite of struggling with a dodgy hamstring, is putting up a valiant display flying around in every direction to maintain Croatia’s advantage.

112’  Russia 1-2 Croatia

Kuziaev latches onto a loose ball following a clearance from a Russian corner and fires an effort goalwards. Subasic does well to hold on to the strike.

112’  Russia 1-2 Croatia

Going into this World Cup, Modric wasn’t one of the stars everyone was talking about, but the Real Madrid midfielder has proved time and again why he is considered a generational talent when it comes to central midfield duties. Today, against a stubborn Russia, while the rest of his team often struggled to find their rhythm, Luka Modric has put in another sublime, tireless display – the Croatian captain controlling the tempo of the game and orchestrating the run of play with a diverse range of passes.

109’  Russia 1-2 Croatia

Gazinski is booked for a foul on Mario Mandzukic. He will miss the semi-final if Russia make it.

The first half of the extra-time is over and Croatia are leading 2-1. Subasic is in pain again as he tried to jump to gather a high ball off a Russian set piece. Croatia need to battle not only goalscoring threats from the Russians, but also cramps to make a case for a semi-final berth against England.

End of 1st half of ET: Russia 1-2 Croatia

Croatia get the all-important goal. But there are still 15 minutes to play. Subasic is struggling, so there is hope for Russia who will be readying themselves one final push

104’  Russia 1-2 Croatia

Croatia lead at the 101st minute. Modric with an inch-perfect delivery from the corner and Domagoj Vida has probably scored the winner with a thumping header which skipped past all the Russian shirts to give Zlatko Dalic’s side a slim advantage. Russians are devastated and they have less than twenty minutes to reverse the course of the tie.

101’  Russia 1-2 Croatia

GOAL! Vida puts Croatia in front in extra time with a header from a corner that goes past a small crowd of players. Akinfeev beaten.

100’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Croatia are in a bit of trouble here. Mandzukic is walking nimbly while Subasic is carrying on barely on will power. The lack of fitness could play into Russia’s hands here.

97’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

After receiving treatment, Subasic has decided to continue. Croatia are forced into a change as Vrsaljko has to go off injured. Vedran Corluka replaces him. Croatia have no substitutions left

91’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Extra time begins. Will we find a winner or will the dreaded penalty shootout decide the fourth and final semi-finalsists

FT:  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Ninety minutes are up at Sochi and Russia have held off yet another European giant with a gifted midfield to a 1-1 draw. Cheryshev gave Russia a deserving lead before Kramaric brought Croatia level with a textbook attacking move from Mario Mandzukic. We now progress to extra-time at Sochi for another thirty minutes of this pulsating cracker of a game.

FT stats:  Russia 1-1 Croatia

FT:  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Extra time it is! Russia and Croatia cannot be separated after 90 minutes. No addition to the first half goals from Cheryshev and Kramaric. Another 30 minutes to follow

90+3’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Subasic continues for now, but it remains to be seen whether he is subbed off once extra-time begins. Huge blow for Croatia if Subabsic comes off.

90+1’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

The game is into five minutes of stoppage time

90’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Subasic is down in pain. He seems to have torn his hamstrings. Croatia have used all three of their substitutions. They can only make another if the game goes to extra time. It appears Croatia will have to protect him for the remainder of the regulation time

88’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Andre Kramaric, Croatia’s goalscorer comes off for Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic

86’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Golovin swirls in a sweet free-kick but cannot find a red shirt as we are just five minutes away from extra-time. Russia’s late burst has forced Croatia to be wary of committing huge numbers forward which in turn has taken the pressure off the Russians.

84’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Fun fact: A little over ten minutes stand between the trend of at least one World Cup quarter-finals requiring extra-time and/or penalties to decide the semi-finals line-up. For a trend which has continued since 1986, this summer of chaos seems unlikely to be the one which puts an end to it.

79’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Russian change: Artem Dzyuba OFF Iury Gazinski ON

78’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

How did Croatia not even hit the target there? Modric, Kramaric and Vrsjalko all had opportunities to get one past Akinfeev as the Russian defence was stretched, but Croatia settled for a corner only.

77’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Russia are choosing to sit deep in their own half – a dangerous approach especially in light of Croatia’s sublime little passes which are slowly beginning to carve out the gaps in the Russian defence. Except for their occasional forays into Croatia’s half, the hosts are no longer the lively bunch which took Croatia by surprise in the first half and are resembling the stifling bunch who shocked Spain in the earlier round.

72’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

A well-worked move from Russia but Mario Fernandes sends his header over. Best piece of play from Russia this half

68’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Russia take their goalscorer Denis Cheryshev off. He is replaced by Smolov

68’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Some excellent play from Croatia but they cannot seem to find the perfect final ball. Mandzukic is floating across the inside channels, but in spite of a couple of half-chances and a number of lay-offs, Croatia are still as distant from the match winner as they were at the beginning of the second half.

63’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Croatia change: Marcelo Brozovic replaces Ivan Perisic

62’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Dzyuba rises the highest to win the header after a corner, but the header is straight at Subasic. Russia’s first shot on target after their goal in the first half

61’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Perisic hits the post!!! Akinfeev was beaten after a quick scramble for the ball in the Russian penalty area and Croatians come within inches of taking the lead at Sochi.

60’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

SO CLOSE! Ivan Perisic strikes the upright. Akinfeev had no chance after he was down on the ground. Croatia very unlucky not to have taken the lead

55’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

First change of the night. It’s the home side. Erokhin ON Samedov OFF

54’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

For all of Croatia’s midfield brilliance, their only way forward seem to be through crosses into Russia’s defensive third – not a novel approach by any means.

52’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Russia have once again started the half with some vibrant play, putting  pressure on the Croats. Modric and his teammates have been surprisingly subpar tonight when it comes to crunch moments, even when the Russians have been defensively suspect. Kramaric had the ball unchallenged in Russia’s penalty box but simply couldn’t find a shot in him.

46’  Russia 1-1 Croatia

Second half begins!

The second half should be a fascinating watch as both teams are likely to throw the kitchen sink at each other. Croatia need to make their wealthy possession count by finding newer ways of dissecting the Russian defence, while a little bit of precision in their shooting skills would do Russia a world of good.

HT stats:  Russia 1-1 Croatia

HT:  Russia 1-1 Croatia

It’s 1-1 at halftime in Sochi. Croatia have been the more dominant side, but Russia have created the better chances, with Cherysehv in particular determined to make the most of every opportunity.

HT:  Russia 1-1 Croatia

A strange first half. Cagey for most parts, but two big and crucial highlights. Cheryshev’s strike giving Russia the lead before Mandzukic and Kramaric combined to pull Croatia level following a mistake from the hosts. Big second half to follow

45’ Russia 1-1 Croatia

2 minutes of stoppage time added on

43’ Russia 1-1 Croatia

Andre Kramaric brings the Croats level with Croatia’s first real chance of the game as Mandzukic set him up with a textbook cross. Kramaric’s tenth internation goal has stunned the crowd into silence, but the game has suddenly opened up and is no longer the cagey affair it was in the first half an hour.

40’ Russia 1-1 Croatia

GOAL! Kramaric levels it up! Russia go to sleep allowing Mandzukic to sneak into space and lay it off to Kramaric to head home from close range

39’ Russia 1-0 Croatia

Croatia struggling to cope with Russia’s energy on the break. Strinic receives a yellow card for stopping the counter attack

35’ Russia 1-0 Croatia

My my!!! Russia simply cannot stop stunning superior oppositions, can they? Denis Cheryshev had begun his World Cup campaign on the bench, but his exquisite goal can now send Russia through to their first-ever World Cup semi-finals.

Collecting the ball just past the halfway line, Cheryshev played a one-two with Dzyuba and unleashed a bullet of a strike which left Subasic helpless in its wake. Russia are leading by a goal and the Fisht Stadium has gone berserk.

31’ Russia 1-0 Croatia

GOAL! Denis Cheryshev curls a stunning effort past Subasic who remains rooted to the spot. What a breathtaking strike. Russia lead

28’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

CLOSE! Ivan Perisic sends a glacing header few feet wide of Akinfeev’s right hand post. A well-executed effort from Vrsaljko’s cross

22’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

Russia are playing like a team possessed, while the spectators ate bringing the roof down at Sochi every time Russia is on the ball. Thunderous clapping reminiscent of Iceland’s celebratory style is reverberating around the ground as Dzyuba and co. attempt to maintain their foothold on the game amidst Croatia’s increasing confidence in the midfield.

18’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

Rebic has been lively for Croatia in and around the box whose plans of attacking Akinfeev’s goal otherwise, has been to send in looping crosses into the box from their right wing for Mandzukic to work his magic. It hasn’t really worked so far as the Russians have been dominant aerially.

15’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

Croatia have started to see more of the ball. Modric playing in a much deeper role with an aim to influence the play. So far Russia haven’t been troubled a lot

11’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

Croatia respond to the threats on their goal in kind as Rebic wins the ball off Kudriashov in the midfield and shoots from a narrow angle, only for Akinfeev to save it.

8’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

Promising signs for Russia in the early exchanges even though Croatia are trying to hog possession. First Cheryshev sees his shot blocked after some excellent work down the right flank by Golovin and Dzyuba. Then, Dzyuba gets a shot off his own as Golovin sets him up for a volley.

6’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

Rebic twists and turns to fire a cross but Akinfeev does well to get down and block it. From the resultant corner Croatia head over

5’ Russia 0-0 Croatia

Good start from Russia. They have managed to push Croatia on the back foot in the opening exchanges. They need to get this crowd involved.

Both Russia and Croatia are lining up in 4-2-3-1 formations, but their approaches til date have been strikingly distinct to say the least.

KICK OFF! 

Croatia in their changed black strips get the game underway. Russia in their usual red and white

The Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi is all set to witness the hosts Russia take on initial dark horses and now tournament favourites Croatia in the last quarter-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Russia stunned Spain in their previous game and the lowest ranked participant of the World Cup, whose only claim to fame prior to the commencement of the World Cup were their amazing organization of this sporting feast, will look to further enhance their national pride tonight. Croatia, having cruised through the group stages, saw off a resilient Denmark in their Round of 16 tie and their maverick midfield makes them true contenders for a semi-final date with England.

The Russian anthem! Great atmosphere in Sochi

Звучит гимн России! 🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/zFb3ACerF8

— Сборная России (@TeamRussia) July 7, 2018

The teams are out! Big support for the home side in Sochi. Can Croatia silence the home fans?

STAT ALERT!

Russia have never beaten Croatia. Among the three games where the two sides met, two have ended in draws, while Croatia won the previous meeting between the two sides. It was a 3-1 win for Croatia and it did came on Russian soil at Rostov-on-Don

Can Croatia break the hoodoo?

2 - Croatia have faced the host nation at the World Cup twice previously, losing both matches against France in 1998 (1-2 in the semi-final) and Brazil in 2014 (1-3 in the group stage). Challenge. #RUS #CRO #RUSCRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6CjyJETrgL

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 7, 2018

The Teams have arrived at Sochi!

The teams have arrived in Sochi for #RUSCRO!

Where are you watching tonight's match?

TV listings 👉 https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO #WorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2018

Can Russia continue the trend?

5 - Each of the last five host nations to feature in a World Cup quarter-final have all progressed to the semi-final (Italy 1990, France 1998, South Korea 2002, Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014). Omen. #RUS #CRO #RUSCRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Bvd3ciUqNS

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 7, 2018

TEAMS!

Russia XI: Akinfeev, Ignashevich, Kutepov, Kudryashov, Fernandes, Zobnin, Samedov, Kuzyaev, Cheryshev, Golovin, Dzyuba

​Croatia XI: Subasic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Strinic; Rakitic, Modric; Rebic, Kramaric, Perisic; Mandzukic.

Being the hosts, boon or curse?

The hosts of the FIFA World Cup have taken part 13 times in the quarter-finals. On nine occasions they went through to the semis, losing four.

Since 1990 every host team to reach a quarter-final has always progressed. Brazil of course did it four years ago, while Mexico was the last unlucky host, back in 1986, to lose during the last-eight. 

What will be the case today?

Previous meetings:

Russia and Croatia have never faced off in a World Cup.

They have played three times, with Russia yet to record a win. Two matches were goalless draws, with Croatia beating Russia 3-1 in a friendly in November, 2015 – their last meeting.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia, like quarter-final opponents Russia, are united by football but divided by politics – Firstposthttps://www.firstpost.com

Pre-match reading:

“Football unites Croatia, and much like Russia, the politics divides them. In the face of gross economic negligence, unemployment and corruption, football is a blanket that kept the chilling everyday reality away for two months every four years.

But now, with more and more politicians like Grabar-Kitarovic investing their time and assets into the game, for Croats, it has become a disillusioning symbol of everything wrong with the global political landscape.”

Take a look at the matches schedule for Saturday evening:

Sweden take on England in the first quarter-final at the Samara Arena at 7.30 pm

Hosts Russia face Croatia later in the day at 11.30 pm at the Fisht Stadium

If you missed the World Cup action on Friday night, don’t worry we have you covered up

It will be the first time since 2006 that four European teams will feature in the World Cup semi-finals after Uruguay and Brazil were eliminated on Friday.

France are into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years after beating Uruguay 2-0. Raphael Varane opened the scoring with a header in the 40th minute and Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s error contributed to Antoine Griezmann’s clincher in the 61st.

Belgium defeated Brazil 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup for just the second time. The Belgians led 2-0 at half-time and withstood late pressure from the five-time champions after Renato Augusto cut the margin with a header in the 76th minute.

Belgium, which last reached the semi-finals in 1986, will next face 1998 champions France in Saint Petersburg.

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup.

There are just SIX matches left in 2018 edition of the biggest sporting event in the world. 

And on Saturday, the final two semi-finalists will be decided as Sweden face England and Russia take on Croatia. 

Join us as we countdown to the two matches and bring you live updates from Russia.