Sunday, July 1, 2018

Russia 2018, Round of 16: Croatia defeats Denmark in dramatic penalty shootout

Croatia is heading through to the quarterfinals, and by the narrowest of margins. They came up against an absolute superstar of a goalkeeper in Kasper Schmeichel, but their own keeper Danijel Subašić came up with some huge saves of his own in the shootout.

There wasn't much that happened between a wild opening five minutes and a 115th minute penalty. "Zanka" Mathias Jorgensen scored the opening goal off a long throw in the second minute, and Croatia found and equalizer through Mario Mand?ukić almost immediately afterwards. The teams then spent the rest of regular time and most of extra time playing conservatively, until a lapse in concentration by Denmark.

Modrić set up the chance with a brilliant through ball for Ante Rebic, who was clear through on goal when Zanka had no choice but to haul him down. The ensuing penalty by Modrić was saved brilliantly by Schmeichel, sending the teams to a shootout.

Schmeichel was brilliant again in pens, making two excellent stops. But Subašić was up to the task, making three truly excellent saves, setting up Ivan Rakitić to score the winner.



from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2MFHXf8
via IFTTT

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