From Russia with Love (Grief)
Dear Friends,
What an exciting world cup it has been so far! I keep saying it but things have really exceeded expectations. The level of entertainment and the unfolding of events - almost fairy tale like and magical.
I refer to the Quarterfinal game: Russia VS Croatia
A game where both teams have already exceeded expectations and proven to be able to make it count when it mattered most. But the quarterfinal game - WOW! Bodies were on the line and bones and blood were the currency of exchange - it was gladiatorial!
Key events:
Superb goal by Russia to take the lead! - GOAL! by Denis Cheryshev
Fantastic equalizer by Croatia - GOAL! by Andrej Kramaric
Half Time ... ...
It was blood sport - attack, counter-attack, Russia sat back and countered and Croatia had the majority of the ball - super stuff. Chances were had at both ends, both keepers were tested. Both keepers are clearly one of the best in the game.
Extra time ... ...
More excitement as Croatia come from behind and scored! - GOAL! by Domagoj Vida
Did he do it? All of Russia stunned in silence - the coach getting the fans to cheer their team on. Was it the end? No!
In the 2nd half of Extra Time, Russia scores the equalizer! - GOAL! by Mario Fernandes
Dreamy stuff on the football pitch - amazing game for the fans. What a beautiful game!
Penalties ... ...
Nerves are wrecking through the players - they have survived 2 games of 120 mins football with Penalties in the last 16 and now the quarter finals. The winner goes on to the Semi Finals - the last 4.
Here's how they went:
Fedor Smolov 0 - 1 Marcelo Brozovic
Alan Dzagoev 1 - 1 Mateo Kovacic
Mario Fernandes 1 - 2 Luka Modric
Sergei Ignashevich 2 - 3 Domagoj Vida
Daler Kuzyaev 3 - 4 Ivan Rakitic
And with that, Ivan Rakitic wins the game for Croatia. Kudos to them - and the dream ends for the Host Nation Russia.
I hope you are also enjoying World Cup Fever!
Cheers!!
Image Credits: Here