World Cup 2018: 5 talking points as Croatia beat Russia to advance to semi-finals

#1 Profligacy and exhaustion major worries for Croatia ahead of semis

2018 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals: Russia 2 - 2 (3 - 4) Croatia

Another day, another penalty shootout. That is at least 45 extra minutes (30 minutes of extra time + penalties) - not to mention the physical and mental drain thereof - in each of their last two games for Croatia.

It looked as if the minutes were taking their toll as the players began pulling up ragged. Mandzukic, Modric, Rakitic all seemed run-down and thoroughly exhausted.

What will worry Dalic most though, is the hamstring injury to Subasic. The Croatian keeper looked very much uncomfortable in the closing stages and required extensive massaging before coming back on for penalty duty. He has played a huge part in getting his side to this stage of the tournament; they will need his safe hands to be in charge against an upbeat England side in just over 3 days.

Additionally, the Croat coach will also have a word of advice for his charges – take your chances and bury them! His side looked bright and went on the attack but could not capitalize on the opportunities created early on. Shooting just over the bar – both Rebic and Mandzukic being guilty of this – does not help during the business end of the World Cup. If Croatia are to advance to their first ever World Cup final, they will have to be more clinical with their finishing and also banish any signs of tiredness or risk an exit.

Can their golden generation conjure up the necessary magic to make the final and then all the way? Wednesday will provide the answer to the first of these questions.