Croatia are headed to the World Cup semi-final after winning a penalty shootout for the second straight round, this time to knock out hosts Russia after the game finished 2-2 after extra time.
Almost to a man, Croatia’s players performed admirably to match the efforts of their famous side from 1998, which reached the same stage.
Here’s a look at how the players rated.
STARTING XI
Danijel Subasic 7 – Left looking statuesque for Russia’s first goal, although it was a wonderful strike from Cheryshev. Made some crucial saves throughout the match, including one in the penalty shootout.
Sime Vrsaljko 7 – A battling display from Croatia’s right back, who was always in the thick of the action.
Dejan Lovren 5 – A shaky and occasionally error-strewn performance from the Liverpool man who has had such a good World Cup.
Domagoj Vida 7 – He was left looking a little silly for Cheryshev’s goal, but redeemed himself by scoring Croatia’s second, and then converting his penalty in the shootout.
Ivan Strinic 6 – Was given a tough evening by Cheryshev and Dzyuba, and though he just about held his own it wasn’t a surprise when he was the first man taken off.
Luka Modric 8 – It’s saying something that a player who was already considered one of the best in the world at his position has enhanced his reputation this summer. His play in midfield was delightful.
Ivan Rakitic 7 – The Barcelona man’s reverence for his midfield partner Modric almost sells himself short. He might not be quite as good, but this was another accomplished performance, including stroking home the winning penalty.
Ante Rebic 6 – Didn’t quite scale the same heights of previous games in the tournament. His impact here was more as a willing, tireless runner than to produce anything spectacular.
Andrej Kramaric 8 – A performance that typifies what Kramaric brings to the table. At one moment he was scoring a crucial equaliser, at another he was back clearing the ball in his own box.
Ivan Perisic 6 – The Croatia winger delivered a typical workhorse performance. However, he missed a glorious opportunity to win the game in normal time, hitting the post with the goal open.
Mario Mandzukic 8 – As always, led the line with aplomb, serving as a bruising presence and delivering the assist for Croatia’s equaliser with a clever run and pass.
SUBSTITUTES
Marcelo Brozovic 7 – May have been a little miffed to miss out on a starting berth, but he shook off the disappointment to produce a composed display after coming on.
Josip Pivaric 6 – A stable presence after coming on at left-back for Croatia, instantly getting up to speed in an intense game.
Mateo Kovacic 6 – Kovacic hasn’t had enough chances to show the flashes of talent that have marked out his potential, and here, he fluffed his lines in the penalty shoot-out.
Vedran Corluka 7 – Made sure Croatia’s back-line didn’t miss a beat even after losing a player as crucial as Vrsaljko in extra time.
