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#4 Croatia 2-2 Russia (6-5 after penalty shootout)
The mighty Croats met the hosts in an absorbing, high-intensity quarterfinal match in Moscow which had all the qualities of an edge-of-the-seat thriller. Russia were very defensive in their second-round victory over Spain and one expected a repeat of the ultra-defensive strategy against Croatia too.
To everyone’s surprise, Russia were much livelier in attack against Croatia. They took the lead through Denis Cherysev’s 25-yard scorcher in the first half. Croatia came back hard at them and Mario Mandzukic ran into the penalty box from the midfield before delivering a wonderful cross to Andrej Kramaric, who finished brilliantly.
The second half was even more intense as the teams exchanged blows but the elusive goal did not come. In the extra-time, Domagoj Vida put Croatia ahead with a stunning header from a corner. Croatia seemed to be cruising towards a hard-earned win but Mario Fernandes had other ideas.
Russia won a free-kick just outside the Croatian penalty box and Fernandes nodded home the equalizer in the 113th minute to take the match into the penalties. Russia lost in the shootout but the spectators were treated with wonderful entertainment.
