It was a hard fought, nerve wrecking contest but the Croats have sailed through into the Semi-Finals of the Russia 2018 World Cup. beating hosts Russia 4-3 on Penalties after a hard fought game.
They now stand alongside England, Belgium and France in the semi-finals replicating the achievement of their France 98, World Cup Team.
In a thrilling 2-2 match after 120 minutes of normal time which had to be settled by penalties; it was a high stakes game as fatigue and injury plagued players of both teams in a gruelling contest that demanded all and left none standing straight.
Ivan Rakitic scored the decisive spot-kick to give Croatia a 4-3 win in the shootout after Fyodor Smolov and Mario Fernandes wasted their chances from the spot for the home nation.
Goals from Denis Cheryshev and Andrej Kramaric left the score deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, before defenders Domagoj Vida and Fernandes traded headed goals in extra time.
Croatia will hope to top the achievement of their golden team in france 1998 when they face England in the Semis.
Croatia will face England in the semi-final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday, July 11.
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