The first 20 minutes showed a scoreless beginning as each team attempted to establish control. Croatia started with 70% possession.
Russia scored first on a brilliant long distance screamer of a shot in the 31st minute.
Croatia responded in the 39th minute to even the score. This match play had become desperate and physical. The usual player theatrics began to show on both sides.
The first half required only 2 minutes of stoppage time. The half concluded in a 1-1 tie.
The second half was mostly dominated by Croatia. Both sides played not to lose.
At the end of regulation time the Croatian goal-keeper pulled his hamstring muscle. Five minutes of stoppage time was added to the 2nd half.
Thirty minutes of extra time resulted from the 1-1 tie score.
The Croatian goal-keeper remained on the field despite his leg injury. A defensive substitution eliminated Croatia’s final substitution option.
Croatia scored in the 100th minute of extra time to take a 2-1 lead. The first 15 minutes expired left Russia with only 15 minutes to save their tournament lives.
Russia scored their 2nd goal to even the score and potentially send the match to penalty shootouts with 5 minutes remaining.
Penalty kicks... Russia shoots first: save, score, score, save, miss, score, score, score, score, score
Croatia wins!