Russia’s dream came to a heart-breaking halt as they were knocked out by a spirited Croatia side on penalties.
The stage is finally set for the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals as Croatia managed to edge past hosts Russia in a nail-biting penalty shootout. The game initially finished 1-1 after the regulatory ninety minutes but an action-packed extra time saw both teams scoring in each half but at the end, it was Croatia who once again showed incredible spirit to come out as winners of this contest.
After being pegged back just around the half-hour mark, through an extraordinary goal from Denis Cheryshev, the Croats managed to hit back quickly thanks to a header from Andrej Kramaric. However, the game evolved into a cat and mouse chase afterwards with both teams failing to dominate over one another as the game went into extra time.
Domagoj Vida’s strike in the 100th minute gave manager Zlatko Dalic along with millions of Croatian fans, a sigh of relief. But just when it seemed like Hrvatska are on their way to seal a ticket for the semifinals, on came Mario Fernandes with a thumping header, equalizing the score just five minutes from time.
Like the other penalty shootouts thus far in the tournament, this one went down to the wire as well with Rakitic’s convincing spot kick sealing Croatia a place in the semi finals.
Croatia managed to score four of their five penalties with Mateo Kovacic being the only one not to convert his spot kick. However, Fyodor Smolov and Mario Fernandes’ misses proved costly as Russia bowed out of the competition 4-3 via penalties.
And Twitter was filled with very interesting results to this highly entertaining clash and here, we pick out some of the best ones just after the outcome of the game.
Dimitrov: look on the bright side sir. We aren't going home, we already home
Putin: I need your head on my table first thing in the morning#RUSCRO pic.twitter.com/aWGvNaUn1b
— Oga Web Designer?? (@samCodeNg) July 7, 2018
I thought CRODEN was stressful but this? This was torture #RUSCRO
— lil meow meow ??| 김석진 ? (@fareastchanyeol) July 7, 2018
Damn I was neutral and still managed to get stressed out ?#RUSCRO pic.twitter.com/vo13wMGE3W
— Naa Adjeley ???? (@vaviviana) July 7, 2018
Croatian fans celebrating in Cologne, Germany pic.twitter.com/4PyOaB72le
— ??????? World Cup Winners 2018 ??? (@ZweitligaUltra) July 7, 2018
Some praised Russia for their amazing performance throughout the course of this tournament while also thanking them for hosting one of the best World Cups in recent memory.
Russia leaves the World Cup with pride and dignity.They did their best and played till their last breath. Their supporters should be proud of them #RUSCRO
— SR7 (@slimarshalshady) July 7, 2018
The propaganda, fear mongering and fake news has failed. Russia has hosted one of the best World Cups ever.
— Serbian Football (@SerbianFooty) July 7, 2018
Russia… If you're listening… You can be proud of how far you progressed, and even prouder of hosting a GREAT World Cup#RUSCRO
— Dave Mclean (@DaveMcleanComms) July 7, 2018
Croatia’s president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, who was in attendence also caught some attraction along the way.
Current mood. #RUSCRO #Croatia pic.twitter.com/MLfiEaDk0B
— Andrea Chalupa (@AndreaChalupa) July 7, 2018
But, Cheryshev’s stunner was definitely the best moment of the match and Twitterati went crazy soon after his opener.
Cheryshev scores nothing but bangers i swear
— A S I M (@justcallmeasim2) July 7, 2018
Cheryshev lowkey having a worldcup campaign similar to James Rodriguez 2014 WC
— Rk (@RkFutbol) July 7, 2018
Live footage of Florentino Pérez telling us how many zeros will be on the transfer fee for Denis Cheryshev. pic.twitter.com/lfDV6iU3Eb
— Drugs FC (@OmVArvind) July 7, 2018
England legend Gary Lineker was also left astonished by Cheryshev’s breathtaking effort.
Wow. What a goal from Cheryshev. This World Cup is utterly bonkers.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2018
Cheryshev returning to Madrid to score the winning goal in our 4th straight UCL final after disqualifying us from the Copa del Rey is gonna be quite the redemption story.
— Drugs FC (@OmVArvind) July 7, 2018
Denis Cheryshev is having the World Cup Messi FC fans think Messi would have…
— Hala Madrid (@RMadridCastilla) July 7, 2018
Something extra special about a goal when the keeper doesn’t move.
Just has to stand and watch like the rest of us.
One of my favourite goals of the tournament so far. #RUS #Cheryshev
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) July 7, 2018
However, Luka Modric, who was voted as the man of the match, exemplified the role of a leader with a exceptional performance against Russia. His work ethic, despite his growing age, was captivating and fans were modest enough to acknowledge that.
Luka Modric
Characterized be great determination Devoted full strength from Start to end #RUSCRO pic.twitter.com/SnJTodw5av
— Fresh Prince (@iamwytunes) July 7, 2018
#Modric, what a display!
140 touches
102 passes
87.3% pass accuracy
8 dribbles
4 key passes
1 assist
1 converted penaltyDeserved Man of the Match!#WorldCup #RUSCRO pic.twitter.com/pZOXKE9bFe
— David Kappel (@kappilinho) July 7, 2018
Luka Modric deserves all the happiness in this world. What an angel. ???? pic.twitter.com/iOIPAZILRS
— Rk (@RkFutbol) July 7, 2018
Luka Modric is the best central midfielder in the world and there's literally nothing you can say or do to change that. Beast mode since he hit 30.
— FC Maha (@FCMaha) July 7, 2018
