The spotlights in Russia 2018 are for the goalkeepers
Croatia has once again rewritten its football history in Russia 2018. The Croatian national team reached the semifinals of the World Cup after defeating the host team in a penalty shootout. The Balkan country has reached the top 4 of the tournament after 20 years and Danijel Subasic is largely responsible for this feat.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper was instrumental in the two penalty shootouts played by his team. Against Russia, he saved a shot from Fiodor Smolov, who attempted a "Panenka" style kick, but was blocked by Subasic. And 6 days earlier, against Denmark, the goalkeeper was even more decisive by stopping 3 penalty shots.
With this, the AS Monaco goalkeeper equalled a record held by Argentine Sergio Goycochea and German Haral Schumacher. Both saved 4 penalties in the World Cup; the former did it in Italy 1990, while the latter did it in Mexico 1986.
Minutes before the end of regulation time, Danijel Subasic suffered a thigh injury; however, he finished the match, saved a penalty, achieved a record, and his name was etched in World Cup history.