Sports Croatia defeat Denmark 3-2 on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
Croatia advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after beating Denmark 3-2 in a thrilling penalty shoot-out at the Luzhniki Stadium here on Sunday. They will face hosts Russia looking to reach the semifinals for the first time 20 years after finishing third in the 1998 France World Cup. Goalkeepers from both sides performed outstandingly, with Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic saving three penalties and Leceister City’s Kasper Schmeichel stopping two watched by his father and former Denmark and Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel. Ivan Rakitic ultimately scored the winning penalty and sent the Vatreni through after the two sides were deadlocked at 1-1 after 120 minutes. Denmark went ahead in the first minute when Jonas Knudsen hurled a long pass from the right into the box. Mathias Jorgensen squeezed off a shot which was fumbled by Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic in off the base of the left post. Just after three minutes, Croatia managed to level the score. Denm...