Croatia will face 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts Russia after they defeated Denmark 3-2 on penalties in their last 16 clash at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod.

The all-European clash ended in a 1-1 draw following the end of both regulation time and extra time.

The two goals came within the first four minutes, which is a record for the fastest two goals in the knockout stage.

Huddersfield Town defender Matias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen gave Denmark a dream start with just 58 seconds gone only for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic to capitalise on some uncertain defending in the Danish box to level proceedings for Croatia inside four minutes.

Both sides didn’t add to the tally till the end of regulation time thus paving the way for the second extra-time match of the tournament.

Croatia were handed a fantastic opportunity to win the game in extra time but Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric had his penalty saved after the aforementioned Jorgensen was penalised in the box.

The 1998 World Cup semifinalists would, however, win the game via penalty shootout, the second of the tournament.

Croatia won the shootout 3-2 with Milan Badelj and Josip Pivaric missing for the team, while Danish trio of Tottenham Hotspur star Christian Eriksen, Lassa Schoene and Nicolai Jorgensen had their penalties saved by Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, who became just the second goalkeeper to save three penalties in a World Cup game.

The Croatians will now face tournament hosts Russia in the last eight to determine who goes through to the semifinals.