Croatia are through to the World Cup semi-finals after Zlatko Dalic's side beat hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in their last-eight match in Sochi.
Croatia have set up a World Cup semi-final with England after they beat Russia 4-3 on penalties. The game finished 2-2 after extra-time. #rtesoccer #worldcup #RUS #CRO pic.twitter.com/cuXqp6bgbC
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 7, 2018
Ivan Rakitic converted the decisive spot-kick after Mario Fernandes, who had netted an equaliser for Russia with five minutes of extra-time remaining, hit his effort from 12 yards wide.
Denis Cheryshev had put Russia in front in the 31st minute with a superb strike - his fourth goal of the tournament - but that was cancelled out eight minutes later by Andrej Kramaric's header.
Russia 1-0 Croatia - Denis Cheyshev gives Russia the lead with an absolute screamer of a goal #rtesoccer #worldcup #RUS #CRO pic.twitter.com/VSLot4ljlB
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 7, 2018
Russia 1-1 Croatia - Andrej Kramaric levels things up as he takes advantage of some awful Russian defending to head home. #rtesoccer #worldcup #RUS #CRO pic.twitter.com/vi8gxMgIum
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 7, 2018
Croatia, having gone close in the 60th minute when Ivan Perisic hit a post, then had the lead in the 11th minute of extra-time as Domagoj Vida nodded in, before Fernandes brought things level late on once again with a header of his own.
Russia 1-2 Croatia - Domagoj Vida scores with a soft header and Russia suddenly have to change their approach and attack. #rtesoccer #worldcup #RUS #CRO pic.twitter.com/Nk5g9IfHve
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 7, 2018
Russia 2-2 Croatia - Mario Fernandes scores with five minutes of extra-time to go, drawing Russia level once more #rtesoccer #worldcup #RUS #CRO pic.twitter.com/9xdMaiHcds
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 7, 2018
Croatia's win sees them emulate their 1998 achievement of reaching the World Cup's last four.
They will now take on England at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday for a place in the final.
