Croatia vs Denmark: 5 things we learned

Saturday’s round of 16 fixtures featuring France, Argentina, Portugal, and Uruguay kept fans on their toes from start to finish. Sunday’s also kept fans on the edge of their seats, but for another reason. If anyone had expected both to be done and dusted in 90 minutes, they found themselves sitting through over four hours of action as not one, but both games went to extra-time and penalties.

After Russia’s shocking win over Spain, attention turned to Croatia and Denmark. The Vatreni had made quite some noise at this summer’s tournament with a stunningly perfect group stage campaign and now will have a chance to take on hosts Russia.

Here are five things we learned from Croatia’s narrow win over Denmark.

1. The danger of a long throw

We’ve seen the damage a well-taken corner kick or free-kick can do in the box, but these days, we’re really starting to see the power of throw-ins. Leicester City’s Christian Fuchs used it to devastating effect during the Foxes’ Premier League-winning campaign. Iceland’s Aron Gunnarsson did the same as the debutants made it to the quarter-finals. And Denmark’s Jonas Knudsen clearly has taken a page out of his fellow defenders’ book, as he shocked Croatia’s defense with his powerful throw that led to the fastest-ever goal in this tournament, courtesy of defender Mathias Jorgensen.

2. Kasper Schmeichel makes his father proud

It can’t be easy growing up in the shadow of a famous father, but Kasper Schmeichel seems to be making the most of it. From winning the Premier League with rank outsiders Leicester City to his showings for Denmark, he’s been a reliable presence in between the posts.

But by far his biggest performance was against Croatia. The Vatreni, who had equalized through Mario Mandzukic, was very close to stealing a win in the 25th minute of extra time after Ante Rebic was fouled in the box.

Luka Modric, who scored a penalty against Nigeria, was the obvious choice. The Real Madrid star, who is presently serving as Croatia’s captain, has had an excellent tournament to date and was certainly confident about his conversion chances.

Well, Schmeichel had other ideas, parrying away Modric’s effort to push the tie to penalties. The Leicester City man again stepped up, saving two of Croatia’s efforts to keep Denmark in the contest, but unfortunately, his teammates, including Christian Eriksen were not able to take advantage of his strong performance and win the shoot-out.

Nonetheless, he arguably made his father proud with his performance, as evidenced by the elder Schmeichel’s celebrations following each save from his box.

3. Luka Modric shows great mental fortitude

It certainly will not be easy to miss a penalty. Especially when it could alter the course of the game, and even better, in a knockout round in the World Cup. With just a few minutes remaining, Luka Modric had a chance to put a grueling tie with the Danish Dynamite to bed, but Denmark’s Schmeichel had other ideas.

Many would have forgiven Modric if he then opted to pass on a chance to take part in the nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. After all, the stakes were much higher. However, the 32-year-old, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid decided to try his luck once again – and it paid off.

4. Mario Mandzukic’s hard work finally pays off

Serie A fans will be well aware of Mandzukic’s industrious nature. He may not score buckets of goals, but the lanky striker’s work off the ball makes him an invaluable presence in any squad.

Up until the match against Denmark, the 32-year-old had yet to find the back of the net but was proving to be a real nuisance for defenders. His large frame and physical presence caused issues for Nigeria’s back-line, who turned his header into the net as an own goal, and he frustrated Argentina’s defenders time and time again as they struggled to deal with his aerial threat.

Well, his hard work finally paid off as he opened his account at this summer’s World Cup with a real poacher’s goal. That effort proved to be decisive as it ensured that Croatia restored parity and set them on their way towards eventually triumphing in a penalty shoot-out.

5. Russia fancying their chances?

The hosts have already beaten Spain, so one couldn’t fault them for fancying their chances against Croatia. Many expected the Vatreni after equalizing to turn on the burners and stamp their authority on the game. They didn’t, which given their excellent showings in the group stage, was quite surprising. Will that give Russia hope? Certainly. Croatia will have to return to the same Croatia that swept aside Argentina in order to make sure they don’t slip up against a Russia side growing in confidence – and backed by a very vocal home crowd.