Croatia player ratings as Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic earns a 7 with the winning penalty against Denmark

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  • Another dramatic encounter saw Croatia sneak past Denmark and into the quarter-finals of the World Cup via a penalty shootout on Sunday.

    Mathias Jorgensen scored the opener in just 58 seconds to give Denmark the lead before Mario Mandzukic levelled for Croatia in the fourth minute.

    The score remained level at 1-1 until the end of extra-time as Kasper Schmeichel denied Luka Modric from the spot in the closing stages.

    However, Croatia won the shootout 3-2 after Danijel Subasic saved three spot-kicks.

    STARTING XI

    Danijel Subasic – Perhaps could’ve done better with the opener but it did come through a crowd. Was exceptional in the shootout, saving three times. 7

    Sime Vrsaljko – Should’ve done more going forward, although he hardly put a foot wrong in defence. 5

    Dejan Lovren – Went close with a header towards the end of the first half and made a few vital interventions. 6

    Domagoj Vida – A remarkable 12 clearances from the centre-back to go with three interceptions. Dominant in the air as well. 7

    Ivan Strinic – Like his opposite full-back, offered little in the final third. Was replaced by Josip Pivaric with 10 minutes of normal time to play. 5

    Marcelo Brozovic – Not the best display from him as his defensive contributions weren’t enough to warrant his starting berth. Replaced in the 71st minute. 4

    Ante Rebic – Industrious as ever on that right flank and played a part in the equaliser. Always a willing runner and did well to win the penalty deep into extra-time. 6

    Luka Modric – Wasn’t flawless in possession as he gave it away more than usual but always tried to play the forward pass. Great free-kick that was nearly steered in by Lovren. Superb through ball to Rebic who won the penalty in extra-time but, having stepped up, Modric couldn’t convert it. Just about scored in the shootout. 5

    Ivan Rakitic – Sprayed the ball around well and had a couple of efforts at goal, one producing a good save from Kasper Schmeichel. Had the most passes and was composed in possession. Scored the winning penalty. 7

    Ivan Perisic – Had a few of sights at goal but couldn’t make the right connection with none of his six efforts testing Schmeichel. 5

    Mario Mandzukic – Ensured his side responded immediately to an early setback, pouncing on a fortuitous ricochet. Even that finish was hit into the ground though and he went missing for the rest of his outing. 5

    SUBS

    Mateo Kovacic – Came on for Brozovic but while he didn’t do much wrong, failed to make an impact. 5

    Josep Pivaric – Introduced in the 81st minute and whipped in a couple of dangerous crosses. 6

    Andrej Kramaric – Took to the field in the 97th minute in place of Perisic and had Schmeichel scrambling to deal with a cross. Scored in the shootout. 6

    Milan Badelj – Replaced Mandzukic in the first half of extra-time. Missed in the shootout. 4

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