Domagoj Vida of Croatia challenges Fyodor Smolov of Russia in their quarterfinal match during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Sochi, Russia, 7 July 2018. Russia¯s 2018 World Cup is over. The hosts are out. Their campaign ended just as it had climaxed six days earlier, on penalties. But only after 120 minutes of twists and turns ¨C 120 minutes befitting of the tournament¯s most unforeseen run. Russia had been ahead, then behind, then, for the second straight elimination match against a favored European side, level and headed to the penalty spot. But this time it fell, by the finest of margins, to Croatia. Ivan Rakitic, for the second time in seven days, stepped up to the penalty spot in the final round of a shootout. And just like he had on Sunday, he sent Croatia through in the World Cup knockout rounds, this time to the semifinals, where England awaits. *** Local Caption ***
