Jul 8, 2018 -

Croatia beat Russia 4-3 in tie-breaker in a breath taking world cup match

The impassioned shouts of “Ros-si-ya” died away on the streets and tears filled the stadium as Russia bowed out of their home World Cup in the cruellest fashion: on penalties.

The match began at a fast pace and Croatia found Russia were playing equally good, matching move after move.

Cheryshev sent the host nation into ecstasy with a stunning opening goal after 31 minutes, which will be remembered as one of the best of the 2018 World Cup. But the lead barely lasted nine minutes as Russia were undone by some sloppy defending. Mario Mandzukic found time and space on the left to drift into the penalty area and tee up an unmarked Kramaric to power home a header from the edge of the six-yard box (1-1).

In the 101 minutes, Croatia shot into lead (2-1) when Modric’s corner kick saw Croatian centre half Vida rise high in the air nod and the ball agonizingly travels between the Russian legs into goal.

In the 115 minutes of the play, Fernandes leaps majestically to head past Subasic to make it 2-2 for Russia as the match heads into tie breaker.

The men in red exceeded the wildest expectations by coming within a penalty kick and a save against Croatia of making it into the semi-finals for the first time since 1966.

They lost the quarter-final in penalty shootout by 4-3.

“We leave the tournament with tears in our eyes but our heads held high,” the team tweeted as the stadium emptied of the 45,000 or so who had lost their voices cheering them on.

Russia were the lowest-ranked team entering the tournament and many in the sceptical media thought they would be lucky to win a game.

They trudged off the pitch after making it to the quarter-final for the first time in 48 years.

Mridha Shihab Mahmud is a writer, content editor and photojournalist. He works as a staff reporter at News Hour. He is also involved in humanitarian works through a trust called Safety Assistance For Emergencies (SAFE). Mridha also works as film director. His passion is photography. He is the chief respondent person in Mymensingh Film & Photography Society. Besides professional attachment, he loves graphics designing, painting, digital art and social networking.
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