08 July 2018
There will be three Bianconeri involved in the World Cup semi-finals. Joining Blaise Matuidi of France are Mario Mandzukic and Marko Pjaca, after Croatia overcame Russia in their second penalty shootout of this tournament.
Mandzukic played the entirety of the action-packed match and provided the assist for Andrej Kramaric in the 39thminute, levelling the scores after Denis Cheryshev had put the hosts in front on the half-hour mark.
A goalless second half followed, making way for a pulsating 30 minutes of extra time, in which Domagoj Vida put Croatia in front, only for Mario Fernandes to strike a dramatic equaliser.
That paved the way for penalties and, just like he did against Denmark in the previous round, Ivan Rakitic converted the decisive kick to put his side in the semi-finals where they will face England in Moscow on Wednesday night (20:00 CEST).
