8, July 2018

2018 World Cup: Croatia beat Russia 4-3 on penalties ⁰

Croatia have ended Russia’s World Cup dream after they won 4-3 on penalties to meet England in the World Cup semifinals in Moscow on Wednesday.

Volunteers deploy giant flags during the ceremony held ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Russia’s midfielder Denis Cheryshev (R) shoots to score during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Russia’s midfielder Denis Cheryshev celebrates after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Croatia were better side of the match, but Villarreal midfielder Denis Cheryshev put Russia ahead in the 31st minute with curling shot from outside of the box.

Croatia’s forward Andrej Kramaric celebrates after scoring the equaliser during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Russia’s goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev concedes the equalizer scored by Croatia’s forward Andrej Kramaric during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Andrej Kramaric leveled the match for Croatia before the break from a Mario Mandzukic cross. Domagoj Vida gave Croatia advantage in extra-time from a Luka Modric corner.

Russia’s forward Artem Dzyuba (L) reacts after falling with Croatia’s defender Dejan Lovren during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Croatia’s defender Domagoj Vida (L) celebrates after scoring during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Russia’s defender Mario Fernandes heads the ball to score during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7, 2018. (AFP)

Russia’s Defender Mario Fernandes brought his side level through a header in the 115th-minute to send the match to penalty shootout where Russians journey through their own World Cup ended in heartbreak at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.