Russia have been in pandemonium since their World Cup team took down Spain in the round of 16. The country is about to burst into a bigger and crazier celebration if their team could defeat Croatia this Saturday and clinch a semifinals berth. But will they be able to do it? Read on for a preview of this match below.
The Russians are still dancing. That’s after they pulled off one of the most shocking wins in the tournament with a 1-1 (4-3 via penalty) win over a pre-tournament favorite in Spain on Saturday. It was a fantastic show of return to form by Russia after they were battered in a 3-0 loss to Uruguay in their last game in Group A. It was a win made more improbable by the fact that Russia only had six attempts on goal with one going on target. They also controlled the ball for only 25 percent of the time. These numbers don’t give a complete picture, however, of how Russia made it hard for Spain to get into rhythm. Russia went ultra-conservative against Spain, a strategy they might as well repeat against Croatia, whose talented midfield is a big cause of anxiety of the host nation’s team. Forward Artem Dzyuba has three goals in the tournament and will look to add more to that this Saturday. He did not score against Spain but did not make life easy for La Roja’s defense either.
Betting on Croatia (-120)
Croatia are through to the quarterfinals following a heart-stopping win over Denmark in the round of 16, via a penalty shootout. Everyone knows who are the engines that make this team run and those are Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. The pair has been amazing in the midfield for Croatia, Modric in particular. Viewed as one of the best – if not the best – midfielder on the planet right now, Modric has done a fine job setting the table from the midfield and attacking himself. The Chequered Ones are at their best when Modric and Rakitic are on top of almost everything that they do, and up against seemingly gritty but lucky Russian side, their brilliance in the midfield could negate the latter quality that has helped Russia topple opponents on their way to reaching the quarterfinals. Croatia’s back line is also formidable with Domagoj Vida leading the group.
Writer’s Prediction
The ruble stops here for Russia, who fall to Croatia, 2-0.
