Croatia will play the host nation in the last eight in the Black Sea resort of Sochi after Stanislav Cherchesov's side edged out Spain, also on penalties.

"Over the past years, our national team failed to reach this stage of the tournament, but our generation is capable of achieving a lot. We were surprised by Russia reaching the quarter-finals, but they showed their determination and prowess in the Spain game. The home atmosphere helped the Russians," Modric said.

Croatia are playing in the World Cup knockout stage for the second time after claiming the third place in France in 1998.

Russia have qualified from the group stage for the first time since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.