World Cup host Russia’s run shut down by Croatia

Croatian players celebrate after teammate Danijel Subasic stopped a penalty kick during a shootout to decide their World Cup quarterfinal match against Russia on Saturday in Sochi, Russia. The match was tied 2-2 after extra time, but Croatia won the shootout 4-3. Croatian players celebrate after teammate Danijel Subasic stopped a penalty kick during a shootout to decide their World Cup quarterfinal match against Russia on Saturday in Sochi, Russia. The match was tied 2-2 after extra time, but Croatia won the shootout 4-3.

By Associated Press July 7, 2018 4 min read

SOCHI, Russia – Nyet this time.

Although Russia stuck around at the World Cup longer than most expected, it was Croatia that advanced to the semifinals with a 4-3 shootout victory Saturday after a 2-2 draw.

The overachieving host – the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at No. 70 in the world – was trying to make it to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since the Soviet Union finished fourth at the 1966 tournament in England.

Even Russian President Vladimir Putin was taken in by the host nation’s surprising run, coach Stanislav Cherchesov said.

“Putin called me during the day, and he called me right now,” Cherchesov said after Saturday’s loss. “He congratulated us on a very good game. He said what we showed on the field was great. I told him we were disappointed. He said we should have our eyes open and make the next steps.”