Lucky Russian opponents, Croatia ready to face England

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic admitted his side were lucky enough to qualify for the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. Croatia qualified after beating hosts Russia through the penalty shootout.

The match between Russia against Croatia is a fun and exciting walk. Both teams drew 1-1 in normal time and then scored one goal apiece.

Game finally proceeded to the penalty shootout in which Croatia managed to win with a score of 4-3. Croatia also managed to ensure themselves qualify for the 2018 World Cup semifinals against England later.

In the last 16, Croatia also have to go through round of penalties to get away. Facing Denmark, Croatia drew 1-1 until the fight was over and had to fight in a dramatic penalty shootout.

In the game against Russia, the situation is even more dramatic again because the Croatian goalkeeper was injured. Danijel Subasic had a problem and had to be treated on the sidelines due to hamstring problems. Undergoing such heavy games, Dalic admitted lucky to escape.

"It was not a good match, it was a fight, a battle to reach the semi-finals, we were lucky," Dalic told the BBC.

Dalic is seen crying after Croatia ensure themselves qualify for the semi-finals. After Ivan Rakitic scored the winner in the penalty shootout, Dalic was seen crying in the arms of one of the Croatian staff.

"I concentrated fully throughout the game but after the Rakitic penalty, all the emotions I buried out from within me I am relieved We have made ourselves happy, we have also made people in Croatia happy," he added.

"All the emotions just came out, I do not cry very often but now I have the right reasons: Croatia are in the semi-finals, it's a big success and a great result."

Croatia have to fight it out to reach the semi-finals. Two consecutive times they have to compete until the penalty shootout (after playing 120 minutes).

Of course it drains the Crocodile's enthusiasm. The effect could have been felt in a semi-final against England. But Dalic insists that Croatia still has the energy to fight against England.

"Of course we still have the strength to face England, we still have two games left and we have very high motivation, we give everything, I'm sure the game against England will be a tough battle again but I believe in our ability.

By @faisalus