‘Football could be crazy sometimes’ – Adepoju feels sorry for Russia after Croatia loss

Mutiu Adepoju showed empathy for Russia following their World Cup exit to Croatia on Saturday evening.

Denis Cheryshev’s stunning strike got Russia off to a brilliant start after 31 minutes but Andrej Kramaric equalised eight minutes later.

Domagoj Vida headed Luka Modric's corner home 10 minutes into the first extra period, only for Fernandes to keep the hosts’ hopes alive in a dramatic finish.

And during the kicks from the penalty spot, Danijel Subasic saved Fedor Smolov's strike while Ivan Rakitic held his nerves to convert the winning kick as the hosts bowed 4-3 on penalties at the Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi.

The former Nigeria international who had tipped Stanislav Cherchesov’s side for a place in the last four but was sad to see them bow out.

“Football could be crazy sometimes. Had tipped Russia to reach at least the semifinal, however, they bowed out on penalties to Croatia. Stanislav Cherchesov and his men should not feel bad because no one gave them a chance at the beginning,” Adepoju tweeted.

With this, Russia becomes the first host nation to be eliminated at the quarter-final stage of a World Cup since Mexico in 1986.

Croatia battle England at the Luzhniki Stadium for a chance to reach their first World Cup final ever, with France squaring up against Belgium in Saint Petersburg.