Daily Digest: Croatia book World Cup quarter-final place as Spain bow out to Russia

Sport360 staff 08:50 02/07/2018
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  • Good morning, David Cooper here with everything you need to know in the world of sport.

    TOP STORY

    Keeper Danijel Subasic came to Luka Modric’s rescue as Croatia eased past Denmark into a World Cup quarter-final clash with hosts Russia after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

    Most of the earlier fireworks in Nizhny Novgorod had arrived inside the opening four minutes, during which defender Mathias Jorgensen fired Denmark into the lead before Mario Mandzukic levelled.

    However, their joy was short-lived as Zlatko Dalic’s men restored parity within three minutes when, after defender Simon Kjaer’s clearance had ricocheted back off team-mate Andreas Christensen, the ball fell nicely for Mandzukic to blast home the equaliser.

    Read our player focus, talking points and ratings from the match.

    Elsewhere, Russia captain Igor Akinfeev was the hero as the hosts stunned Spain 4-3 on penalties after they played out a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

    Akinfeev had already made good saves as Russia held on to force extra-time and spot-kicks – but he then saved from Koke and Iago Aspas in the shoot-out.

    It was a remarkable finale to a game Spain dominated in terms of possession but simply did not do enough to win and Russia can now look forward to a quarter-final next Saturday in Sochi against Croatia or Denmark.

    Check out our talking points from the hosts famous victory.

    WORLD CUP 

    Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from international football following Spain’s World Cup exit.

    The 34-year-old, who scored Spain’s match-winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, confirmed his decision after La Roja’s last-16 loss to Russia in Moscow.

    Iniesta scored Spain’s opening penalty in the shoot-out against the host nation but was powerless to prevent his side losing 4-3 on spot-kicks – having drawn the match 1-1 – and tumbling out of the tournament.

    In today’s action, Brazil take on Mexico (18:00) and Belgium face Japan (22:00). Check out our talking points and previews for the games here.

    CRICKET 

    Pakistan romped to a thumping 74-run win over hosts Zimbabwe in the T20 tri-series opener at Harare yesterday.

    Read our talking points from the visitors big win.

    Elsewhere, India have called up Deepak Chahar and Krunal Pandya into their squad for the Twenty20 international series against England in place of the injured Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar.

    FEATURE OF THE DAY 

    A look at our key tactics ahead of Brazil v Mexico 

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