World Cup Report: Shootout wins put Russia and Croatia into quarter-finals
There has been no shortage of twists and turns at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and Sunday’s matches were no exception. Both Round of 16 matches needed penalty shootouts to decide a winner, one of which produced a stunning upset.
Spain shocked by Russia
Against all odds, the host Russians are into the quarter-finals after a shootout victory over Spain.
Spain opened the scoring courtesy of an own goal in the 12th minute, but Russia levelled the score before half time on a penalty scored by Artem Dzyuba.
GOAL!!!!#ESP takes the lead on one of the prettiest own goals you'll see…an accidental diving back-heel. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/9grWgZYvoY
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2018
#RUS SCORES!!!!!
The hosts draw level with #ESP after being awarded a penalty kick…1-1 in the 1st half of Round of 16 match #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/uCOtMOSFSQ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2018
The score remained tied 1-1, with the match eventually needing penalties. With the home crowd urging them on, Russia won 4-3.
The final save that ELIMINATED #ESP from the 2018 #WorldCup… pic.twitter.com/TqrUFxhZV9
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2018
Despite dominating the match, holding 75% of possession and carrying a 25-6 advantage in attempts at goal, Spain is going home.
The hosts, who many people picked to not make it past the group stage, will be one of the final eight teams standing for the first time since 1970.
The reaction in the media center in Samara to #rus advancing against #esp #worldcup pic.twitter.com/jUnITuDPaK
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 1, 2018
More random #Rus street celebrations. They’ll still be going when I wake up (it’s gone 1:30am here) 🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/azc4SSNhs6
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) July 1, 2018
Croatia overcomes adversity to beat Denmark
Denmark had a dream start in their match versus Croatia, with Mathias Jorgensen scoring in the opening minute. It didn’t last long though, as Croatia evened the game three minutes later, courtesy of Mario Mandzukic.
#DEN SCORES IN UNDER 1 MIN!!!
Mathias Jørgensen scores!!! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/wCLHoIonFi
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2018
ANOTHER GOAL!!!#CRO follows up #DEN's quick goal with one of their own…all square at 1-1 FIVE MINUTES into the match #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/9PNxO6c2q7
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2018
The match went to extra time, where it looked like Croatia would win the match. But a miracle save by Kasper Schmeichel on Croatian captain Luka Modric ensured a shootout.
SAVED!!!!
Kasper Schmeichel saves the day for #DEN, stopping Luka Modric's penalty #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/fRYhpTNwTf
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2018
Both keepers were spectacular in the shootout, combining for five saves. Modric redeemed himself in a pressure-packed situation, scoring on his attempt to contribute to the 3-2 victory.
#CRO is moving on after Rakitic puts away the winning goal in the penalty shootout! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6uEWYThjGn
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2018
Live look at Croatia 😳 pic.twitter.com/pxChhLfiat
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 1, 2018
Croatia moves on to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998, where they’ll meet Russia.
Monday’s games
Round of 16 action continues on Monday, with a pair of tournament favourites, Brazil and Belgium, playing. Mexico and Japan will each try to pull off an upset.
- Brazil vs Mexico (7 am PT / 10 am ET)
- Belgium vs Japan (11 am PT / 2 pm ET)
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