Croatia erupts in celebration

Croatia national soccer team players celebrate after winning the quarterfinal match between Russia and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Fisht Stadium, in Sochi, Russia, Saturday, July 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) ZAGREB, Croatia — Tens of thousands of Croatians poured onto the streets to celebrate victory in the “match of a generation” against World Cup host Russia on Saturday after a dramatic penalty shootout that sets up a semifinal battle against England.

The game in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi was locked at 2-2 after extra-time but Croatia held its nerve to win the shootout, 4-3, with Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic scoring the decisive penalty.

“Russia has fallen! Hug, cry… Croatia is among the four best teams in the world,” exclaimed the TV commentator from the state-run HRT channel.

There were shouts of joy, hundreds of flares were lit and Croatian flags were waved as an estimated 15,000 fans celebrated the win for captain Luka Modric’s side win in Zagreb’s main square, where they watched the match on a giant screen.

Thousands of other red-and-white-painted supporters celebrated the victory at fan zones in the capital and other cities.

“Play my Croatia, when I see you my heart is on fire!” a popular song, was heard in squares and streets throughout the country.