Croatia have perhaps been the outstanding team at the World Cup finals so far.

But they were so close to throwing their chances of success in a competition that is opening up for them in the bin after a fearful display against Denmark.

Eventually, keeper Daniel Subasic was the hero as they bagged a quarter-final spot, saving three penalties in a shootout win following a 1-1 draw,

Having looked so secure in their opening three matches, it took the Danes less than a minute to rock them when they went into the lead from a long throw.

The Croatian defence failed to deal with Knudsen's ball into the penalty area and after Thomas Delaney had got a touch, defender Mathias Jorgensen pounced to score his first senior international goal from close range.

However, the lead lasted just three minutes when Mandzukic was first to react as the ball ricocheted across the Danish penalty area to fire past keeper Kasper Schmeichel and level the score. A disjointed match followed, where Denmark impressed after smart tactical changes from Are Hariede.

Luka Modric had the chance to win it from the spot in extra-time, but was denied by Kasper Schmeichel.

Modric did score in the shootout, and when Nicolai Jorgensen missed from the spot, Ivan Rakitic slid home the winner.