World Cup 2018: Denmark goalkeeper gutted after shootout heroics go in vain

Kasper Schmeichel did everything he could have to deny Croatia a victory but he will feel hard done by his teammates, who missed three penalties during the penalty shootout.

Schmeichel not only saved Luka Mordic's kick from the spot in the 116th minute but also denied Milan Badlej and Josip Pivaric during the shootout but missed penalties from Christian Eriksen, Lasse Schone and Nicolai Jorgensen meant that Croatia beat Denmark 3-2 via penalty shootout and reach the quarters. The Croats will face Russia next in the quarters on Saturday in Sochi.

Speaking about the match, a disappointed Schmeichel said: "It is a strange feeling. There is enormous disappointment but also huge pride in our performance. We had the opportunity and I think we were the better team in the second half. It is hard to put all the emotions into words at the moment."

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP: FULL COVERAGE

Denmark coach Age Hareide also rued the missed penalties and said that it is football and it can happen.

"Our three best players for penalties all missed their penalties today. I feel sorry for Kasper and the whole team. But that is what can happen in penalties, and is the brutality of football.

"Croatia are the best team in Europe for counter-attacks. Having control was important and I thought we had that in the second half," said the 64-year-old.

However, despite what the Leicester City goalie believes, his counterpart in the other end did everything he could have to take his team to the next round.

Subasic saved three penalties during the shootout in Nizhny Novgorod vs Croatia (Reuters Photo)

Danijel Subasic starred for the Croats after regulation time which ended with the scores tied on 1-1.

Ivan Rakitic scored the decisive penalty after Subasic had used his feet to stop an attempt from N. Jorgensen.

Croatia captain Modric, who also scored in the shootout, had a chance to put his team ahead late in injury time but his penalty was saved by Denmark's Schmeichel.

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Denmark took the lead in the first minute when defender Mathias Jorgensen scrambled in a shot that went in off Subasic's left hand and then the left post. It was Denmark's fastest ever World Cup goal.

Croatia equalized in the fourth minute with another untidy goal at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Henrik Dalsgaard's clearance hit a teammate and fell for Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic to hook the ball in.

The teams stayed even for the next 116 minutes, including the 30 minutes of extra time.

(With inputs from AP)