Toughness and experience key to Croatia triumph

Singapore

THE football festivities of the past month have thrown up many surprises, with Mexico's defeat of the Germans and Russia's success against Spain being the pick of the bunch. But for the World Cup in Russia to be remembered as one characterised by upsets, a Croatian win through determination and experience has to be part of the script.

After all, this team is a steely unit, topping Group D with three wins which included a three-goal drubbing of Lionel Messi and his Argentina. But all of their knockout matches were won in extra time, with two on penalties.