The 2018 World Cup hosts Russia have been the surprise package of the tournament reaching the last-8 having been given no hope of even advancing through the group stage.
Defeating Spain on penalties has shown that Stanislav Cherchesov’s side are not to be underestimated this summer and their confidence will now be sky-high.
Croatia’s array of talented stars have finally begun to click at a major tournament and Luka Modric and company now look a side that could go all the way.
The Russians entered the tournament with very little hope of making it out of Group A, however, following an impressive 5-0 win on the opening day and a 3-1 victory against Egypt, they managed to secure the runners-up spot.
Again the hosts were written off as they took to the field against Spain and again they proved the doubters wrong by taking the former world champions all the way to penalties.
Astute defending and impressive stamina saw them hold out Spain for 120 minutes and then defeat them from 12-yards on penalties.
They will now be looking to reach the semi-finals for just the second time at the World Cup having made it to the last four as the Soviet Union back in 1966.
Croatia have been one of the most impressive sides in Russia this summer and look one of the favourites to go all the way this summer.
Zlatko Dalić’s side breezed through Group C, to become just one of three teams to have earned a maximum nine points, thrashing Argentina 3-0 in the process.
They also managed to record wins over Nigeria and Iceland, with this well-rounded squad finally starting to fire at a major tournament.
To reach the quarter-finals, Croatia were taken all the way to penalties by Denmark and they eventually prevailed winning 3-2.
World Cup 2018 Round of 16 recap
Igor Akinfeev had a huge hand in helping Russia reach the last 8 as his penalty shootout heroics ended Spain’s hopes of taking back their world title.
Another of the three Round of 16 ties which was decided on penalties saw Croatia overcome Kasper Schmeichel who was in fine penalty saving form denying Zlatko Dalić’s side from 12-yards on three occasions.
However, it was Danijel Subašić who was the hero saving three of Denmark’s five penalties in the shootout to set-up Saturday’s quarter-final tie with Russia
Russia team news vs Croatia
Russia have concerns over the fitness of Yuri Zhirkov who has a damaged tendon that is excepted to keep him out of Saturday’s game.
Aleksandr Samedov trained alone on Tuesday and is a doubt for Saturday also.
Croatia team news vs Russia
Croatia have no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of their clash with Russia.
