As it happened: Croatia edge Russia on penalties to enter last-four

Russia vs Croatia
Croatian players celebrate after scoring a goal during the World Cup quarterfinal match against Russia. AFP
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Sochi: Croatia edged past hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties to enter the semifinals for the first time in 20 years, in the last World Cup quarterfinal at Fisht Stadium, here on Saturday. Both the teams were locked 2-2 at extra time after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.

In the first half, Andrej Kramaric's header cancelled out a stunning strike from Russia's Denis Cheryshev to leave the teams on level. Cheryshev's swerving left-footer from the edge of the box gave hosts Russia the lead in the 31st minute but an unmarked Kramaric headed in a cross from Mario Mandzukic eight minutes later to restore parity.

Mario Fernandez' header helped Russia level Croatia 2-2 in the 115st minute to cancel out Vida's strike in the 101st and take the match into penalties. Croatia will play England in the semifinals at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday.

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