RUSSIA 1 SPAIN 1 (5-3 PENALTIES) (Moscow)
The host nation is headed to the quarterfinals after eliminating Spain in a nerve-wracking round of penalties that ended 5-3.
Spain dominated the match throughout, attaining 75% possession and attempting twice as many shots on goal. Russia could not keep up with Spain’s high tempo and ability to penetrate their defense, allowing the opponents to create various dangerous opportunities within the box. In the 11th minute, Marco Asensio curled a free kick to the back post, where Sergei Ignashevich attempted to mark Sergio Ramos but, instead, deflected the ball into the net for an own goal. Spain looked to be settled as leaders until a handball by Pique within the box called for a Russia penalty in the 41st minute. Artem Dzyuba stepped up and set De Gea the wrong way to tap the ball into the net for the equalizer. Spain dominated the second half, overpowering Russia immediately, however, their efforts were not enough to find the back of the net.
In extra time, both teams tried to find a winner but were ultimately unable to avoid the penalty shootout. Both sides buried their first two penalties before Koke saw his attempt saved by Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. Russia’s Alexandr Golovin gave the Russians the lead. Sergio Ramos and Denis Cheryshev traded penalties, setting up a decisive attempt by Iago Aspas to keep the Spaniards alive. The young Spaniard was not up to the task, however, as Akinfeev made an acrobatic stop to give Russia a berth in the quarterfinals.
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CROATIA 1 DENMARK 1 (3-2 PENALTIES) (Nizhny Novgorod)
Croatia eliminated Denmark 3-2 in a penalty shootout, progressing to the quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Within the first two minutes, a fantastic play by Denmark’s forwards allowed Mathias Jorgensen to reach the box and tap it into the side of the net narrowly making it through the line for the very early 1-0 lead. The celebrations were short-lived as Croatia retaliated two minutes later, as a defensive error by Denmark led Mario Mandzukic to equalize.
Both sides could not find a goal, sending the match to extra time. In the 115th minute, Croatia had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when Luka Modric’s darting run forced a penalty as he was brought down by Jorgensen. The Real Madrid star stepped up to take the penalty, but it was saved by Danish goalkeeper Kaspar Schmichel.
Schmichel and his counterpart Danijel Subasic stole the show as the match moved to penalties. Both made stops to keep their countries alive, but it was ultimately Subasic who made three crucial saves, that allowed Ivan Rakitic to score and send Croatia through to the quarterfinals.
