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Two Penalty Shootouts Send Spain and Denmark Home

In what was the biggest shock of the last 16 stage so far, Spain were dumped out of the World Cup by hosts Russia. For much of the game Spain dominated things, but couldn’t put together any meaningful attacking chances, instead opting to keep the ball and pass it between themselves. The patient, slow approach by Spain did not pay off, and they now find themselves on a plane back home, whereas the Russians are probably only just getting home from celebrating what was a fantastic victory for them.

An early goal seemingly put Spain on the right path to victory and overall they did dominate most of the game. A penalty just before half time for handball gave Russia a way back into the tie, and they made no mistake in burying their chance. During the second half Russia looked tired and unable to break out and attack Spain, while the Spanish were happy to pass the ball around, without actually doing much with it. The game fizzled out, going to penalties in the end and it was Russia who won the shootout, to book their place in the quarter finals.

Croatia Send Denmark Home

In the second last 16 game on Sunday, we nearly had another upset on the cards, but unfortunately for Denmark they were beaten in a penalty shootout by Croatia. This game started very brightly, with two goals in the opening ten minutes. Each team scored once in that period, but from then on there were no more goals to report. Croatia didn’t look like the same team that had won three group games, and certainly tired towards the end of this one. Denmark pushed them all the way, but despite having a lot of the ball they were unable to finish off their chances.

A turning point came in extra time when Croatia were awarded a penalty but a save from Kasper Schmiechel kept the sides level, and sent us to a penalty shootout. Both goalkeepers pulled off some good saves in the shootout, but eventually Croatia did enough to win the game with the last penalty kick. This was a bitter blow to Denmark, who played very well throughout, and Croatia are going to have to be much better going forward if they want to continue being tagged as dark horses for the tournament.

Russia vs Croatia in the Quarter Finals

After qualifying on the same day, these two will now meet each other in the quarter finals, and their game will be played next Saturday evening. The hosts did well to beat Spain, although they struggled going forward and if we see a better performance from Croatia than we did against Denmark, they have to be made favourites to win the game.

Of these two, Croatia look the most likely to progress and compete for the World Cup trophy, and as quarter finalists they are now as short as 6.50 to lift the World Cup, much shorter than the price they were at the start of the tournament. If they are to win it though, they will have to show much more than they did last night.