Russia ‘demobilised’ early from World Cup but with nation won over

Stanislav Cherchesov compared the defeat by Croatia to leaving the army when you don’t want to, though this disappointment does not diminish what the much-maligned team achieved

“Who, if not you? When, if not now?” said the two banners held up at one end of the stadium during a stirring rendition of the Russian national anthem. It felt like a call to arms for a group of players who had already exceeded all expectations by hanging around at their own party for far longer than anyone imagined.

The show will have to go on without the hosts, however, after Croatia broke Russia’s brave resistance, as well as their hearts, at the end of a long and draining night in Sochi to set up a semi‑final against England in Moscow on Wednesday. There were tears on the pitch and in the stands after Ivan Rakitic converted the winning penalty kick, just as he did in a shootout against Denmark last Sunday, to send Croatia through and bring an end to the Russian fairytale.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2MZM99Z