World Cup: Croatia grasp last eight ticket on penalties

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Croatia eliminated Denmark 3-2 on penalties in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match in Nizhny Novgorod late Sunday.

Danish defender Mathias Jorgensen scored a very early opener in the first minute. Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic was unable to parry Jorgensen's close range low shot.

However, Croatians equalized in the fourth minute as Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic finished in the box.

The match went to extra time as the regular time ended 1-1.

In the 114th minute Croatia was awarded a penalty kick as Croatian forward Ante Rebic skipped the goalkeeper but was brought down by Danish defender Jorgensen. Jorgensen was booked after his foul against Rebic.

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric missed this penalty as Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel saved it.

The extra time ended 1-1 and the winner had to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Croatia won 3-2 on penalties as Croatian goalkeeper Subasic saved three penalties.

Meanwhile Schmeichel's heroic performance wasn't enough for a Danish victory, he saved two penalties.

Schmeichel was selected as man of the match.

Winners Croatia will play against hosts Russia in the quarter-finals.