Croatia ended Russia's unlikely World Cup dream when they won 4-3 on penalties to eliminate the gallant hosts when a dramatic quarter-final ended 2-ALL after extra time in Sochi at the weekend. Ivan Rakitic scored the winning penalty to send Croatia into a semi-final clash against England. It was a night of unremitting tension, with Russia, 70th in the FIFA rankings, again defying the odds to take the 20th ranked Croatia to a shootout. Russia had already surpassed expectations by reaching the last eight, and brushing aside Spain on their way. Russian coach Stanislav Cherchesov says his team exceeded all expectations to get to the quarter-finals.

Updates for FIFA World Cup 2018 held in Russia