Croatia had to do it the hard way but they did as they beat Denmark on penalties to progress to the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup.
But it was a game that looked anything but going into extra time, much less penalties as both sides scored within the first three minutes of the game. Mathias Jorgensen pounced on a loose ball to give Denmark the lead, before Mario Mandzukic leveled for Croatia three minutes later.
It wasn’t supposed to have a quick-fire start to it, it wasn’t supposed to. As in as much as Croatia were expected to go through by the bookmakers, it still wasn’t expected to be a game to have such a quick-fire start, seeing as the teams involved aren’t exactly what one would call the best in the world.
But then, things happen and they happen to surprise us some times as was the case this time. Straight to the first minute of play, Jorgensen pounced on a loose ball inside the box and beats Danijel Subasic in goal for Croatia with a low shot into the middle of the net to give the Danes the lead.
As if that shock wasn’t enough, three minutes later, the Croats were level. Mandzukic got on the scoresheet as he slammed the ball inside the left post from the edge of the box. What a finish to get his side back into the game almost immediately after going behind. What a response!
But that rollercoaster start would take a break as both teams appeared to ease off a bit and it took until the 27th minute before the next chance was created. Martin Braithwaite received a short pass inside a congested penalty area and took a first-time shot. The effort headed towards the middle of the goal but Subasic blocked the shot with his legs.
And then two minutes later, Ivan Rakitic had a good chance to change the score. He ran towards the goal and unleashed a shot from just outside the penalty area which went straight towards the roof of the net, but the goalkeeper was ready and made an amazing save.
The game went on extra time as both countries failed to score in regulations time and just before the break in the first half of stoppage time, Croatia were awarded a penalty when Jorgensen tackled a bit over-zealously and referee Nestor Pitana blew for a foul. Modric stepped to take it but it wasn’t powerful enough as Kasper Schmeichel saved to keep Denmark in the game. But that would be the major piece of action in extra time and with both sides failing to score, the game moved into penalties.
Mexico looks to upset Brazil in last 16
Mexico will eye Brazil’s scalp on Monday when they meet in a last 16 tie at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Mexicans emerged from Group F with six points from two victories and one defeat, but managed to join Sweden in the knockout stages.
Having defeated defending champions Germany 1-0 and beat South Korea, they succumbed to a defeat against the Swedes.
Mexico will hope to reach the quarter-finals for the third time after doing so in 1986 as hosts, as well as in 1970 and 1986.
Çoach Juan Arbelaez will look to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to deny Brazil whilst hoping to see the likes of Giovanni Dos Santos unlock the opposing defence.
Brazil will be against a familiar foe in the form of El Tri and coach Tite will want to inspire his troops to march all the way to the next stage.
The 2014 hosts started Group E with a 0-0 draw against Switzerland, beat Costa Rica 2-0 and secured a 2-0 victory over Serbia in their final match.
Coach Tite will look to players like Neymar Junior and Thiago Silva to reach the knockout stages.
In head-to-head meetings, Brazil have beaten the Mexican team 16 times compare to eight wins for the latter while four matches have ended in draws.
Brazil’s Marcelo a doubt for Mexico match
Brazil right-back Danilo will be available to face Mexico in their World Cup last-16 clash, but Marcelo’s status is in doubt and Douglas Costa is out, according to the team doctor.
Rodrigo Lasmar said on Saturday that Danilo has recovered from a thigh injury, but that teammate Marcelo, who suffered a back spasm just moments into Brazil’s final group game against Serbia, is recovering well but is not quite 100 percent fit.
Juventus winger Costa is recovering well, said Lasmar, but will not be fit for Monday’s match in Samara.
“Danilo is fit to play. He trained today and is available for [coach] Tite,” Lasmar said.
“Marcelo did his first physical work and he felt good. We are optimistic he can be used in the game.”
Brazil qualified top of Group E and face Mexico who were second in Group F.
Rodriguez MRI test positive, says Colombia federation
Colombia held out hope that James Rodriguez would be fit to take on England on Tuesday after MRI scan results released on Saturday showed minor swelling but no serious injury to his right soleus calf muscle.
James, who left Thursday’s 1-0 win over Senegal after 30 minutes with muscle pain in his left calf, did not participate in training sessions on Friday or Saturday.
The Colombia federation issued a very brief official statement about the Bayern Munich player’s status on Saturday, saying that “An MRI was done on James Rodriguez, which showed the result of minor swelling with no muscle tear on his right soleus.”
The federation did not say whether he would be fit to play on Tuesday.
The scan was carried out to determine the seriousness of the injury to an area of the calf that has bothered James for several months and caused him to miss their opening game of the tournament.
At his postmatch news conference on Thursday, Colombia manager Jose Pekerman said he was “very worried” about his star midfielder.
After being substituted for Luis Fernando Muriel, James was seen punching the turf in frustration before looking upset as he went straight to the dressing room.
I’m only thinking about quarter-finals – Russia Coach
Russia Head Coach Stanislav Cherchesov has turned his focus to his side’s quarter-final clash after getting past Spain in the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
Hosts Russia defeated Spain 4-3 on penalties after full time and extra-time scores ended 1-1.
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“Emotions are simple: I’m thinking only about the next game. That’s how it is,” Cherchesov told FIFA.com.
Cherchesov also ruled out Yury Zhirkov from his side’s next game but hinted the former Chelsea player could be ready for the final if Russia go all the way.
“I believe Zhirkov might have played his last game. Maybe he will only play in the final, if we get there. I had to replace him.”
