World Cup 2018: 5 talking points as Croatia beat Russia to advance to semi-finals

#3 Dalic tactics eventually pay off

Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The Croatian coach made only one change to his starting line-up from the previous game against Denmark, bringing in Kramaric in place of the more defensive-minded midfielder in Marcelo Brozovic.

It proved to be crucial, as the TSG Hoffenheim forward cancelled out Cheryshev’s opener late in the first half. Kramaric combined effectively and lethally with Mario Mandzukic for the equaliser, scoring a pulverising header from a perfectly-weighted ball in from the Juventus man.

It was not cakewalk though; Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric took time to find their feet - starting from deeper-than-usual positions in midfield not helping their cause. The attacking momentum was very much in favour of Dalic’s men once they found their groove, especially throughout the second half.

Wave after wave of Croatia attack was repulsed by the hosts but the chances kept coming. If not for some bad luck, Ivan Perisic would have given his side the lead; the ball ricocheted off the inside of the post, denying the Croats.

Brozovic was brought on with a quarter of normal time to go; his fresh legs not only providing much-needed energy but also stability and freedom for Modric and Rakitic to pile further forward.

At the death, the Croatians showed nerves of steel to come out trumps as Rakitic slotted home the winning penalty for the second successive game in the world cup, following a similar outcome against the Danes.