Russia vs Croatia: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 7th July 2018

World Cup 2018 - Quarter Final
Saturday 7th July 2018
Kick off at 7pm BST
Venue: Fisht Olympic Stadium

Match Preview:

Did anyone seriously expect Russia to get this far in the competition? The hosts have found an extra gear when it comes to mental strength and sapping up pressure and Russia are now just one game away from a semi-final place. Some will argue that they didn’t play positive football against Spain, but then Spain could not break down a defiant Russian team and they had the superior players on the pitch. However Spain can feel hard done by not to have been awarded a penalty in extra-time, especially as it went to VAR, yet somehow they decided pulling a player to the ground was fair. Regardless though, this was a huge result for Russia who given all of the teams that have gone out will believe that they can go far in this World Cup. Russia remains the lowest ranked side still in the competition.

Croatia made heavy weather of dumping out a solid Denmark team and they had to go through extra time and penalties to do it. They didn’t play well and now punters who were backing them must be wondering if Croatia have just had a couple of good group games and are not the genuine article. Whilst they boast quality in the likes of Luka Modric, they don’t have the youngest squad ever and will be under intense pressure to win this game against the hosts.

Russia vs Croatia Team News:

Russia: Yuri Zhirkov will miss this game through injury. Samedov will be assessed before for fitness

Croatia: Mateo Kovacic faces a late test to be ready after injuring his shoulder against Denmark and will have scans

Russia vs Croatia Head to Head:

The nations have only played each other once in recent times which occured for qualification for Euro 2008. The match ended 0-0.

Russia vs Croatia Prediction:

Of all the knock out games this is the game which is the hardest to predict. Against Spain, Russia knew what to expect and that would be plenty of time without seeing the ball but Croatia will let Russia play, and will be devastating on the counter attack. The best bet here is to see both teams to score. Croatia should have enough to overcome Russia and end their dreams, although after seeing Spain go out it feels a little like what they say about boxing an American in the US, don't let it go to the scorecards. Therefore croatia need to put in a good performance as home advantage could play a factor.

Russia vs Croatia Betting Tips:

Both teams to score at 2.20

Croatia to qualify at 1.55

Mario Mandzukic to score anytime at 5.00