World Cup: Russia vs. Croatia team news, predictions, betting odds and TV channel
Host nation Russia and Croatia hope their World Cup fairytales continue
Russia vs. Croatia
- What: World Cup quarter-final
- When: Saturday 7 July
- Kick-off time: 7pm
- Where: Fisht Stadium, Sochi
- TV channel: live on ITV
Both Russia and Croatia made it through to the quarter-finals of the Fifa World Cup after penalty shoot-out victories in the last round - so you can expect another close, cagey encounter.
Russia beat Spain on spot-kicks in the last 16 but the host nation will still go into the match in Sochi as huge underdogs.
After the euphoria of beating the 2010 winners, Russia head coach Stanislav Cherchesov knows it will be another tough match against a talented Croatia side.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He told Fifa.com: “I try not to watch TV, and read the newspapers. We are just concentrating on our job. The game against Spain was a very nice story for our country but now we must forget this.
“We don’t need any euphoria right now, because the tournament is still on. Some great teams have already left the tournament, and in a knockout game there’s no room for mistakes.”
After Croatia beat Denmark on penalties, skipper Luka Modric is dreaming that his nation can now go all the way and win the tournament.
He told Fifa.com: “Since 2008 we have never gone beyond this first knockout game and it was very important for us to get that monkey off our back.
“We have secured a great result after many years of trying and that means a lot to me. I’ve been in this team since 2008 and we have experienced several unlucky defeats in that time, particularly against Turkey and Portugal [at Euro 2016]. We needed some luck this time and I think we deserved it.
“To be at this World Cup is a great privilege. Playing for my team is a great honour and a pleasure, but to win the World Cup with Croatia is almost unthinkable, like the most beautiful fairy tale! It would be incredible to lift the trophy as captain.”
Team news
The London Evening Standard reports that Russia left winger Yuri Zhirkov could be ruled out of the match with a damaged tendon in his calf. The Daily Telegraph says that winger Aleksandr Samedov could face a late fitness test. Meanwhile, Croatia have a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Russia vs. Croatia predicted starting XIs
How the teams could line up at the Fisht Stadium, according to Fifa.com:
- Russia: Igor Akinfeev; Mario Fernandes, Ilya Kutepov, Sergey Ignashevich, Fedor Kudryashov; Roman Zobnin, Daler Kuzyaev; Aleksandr Samedov, Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Cheryshev; Artem Dzyuba
- Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic, Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic
Russia vs. Croatia predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “Croatia really worried me in the last 16 against Denmark because they just disappeared in the second half. They got away with it this time, but they need to step it back up again against Russia. We know what to expect from the hosts - although their win over Spain on penalties was one of the results of the tournament, they basically played anti-football to get it. That got them through but it is not what we want at this stage of a World Cup, and I think they have had their moment in the sun. Prediction: Russia 0 Croatia 1.”
Martin Laurence, The Guardian: “Saturday night’s game is probably the toughest to call. These two sides have taken and conceded fewer shots on target than the other six quarter-finalists, so goals may be at a premium. The hosts will hope to ride the increasing wave of optimism but Croatia will surely improve from their last match and progress to the semi-finals. Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Russia.”
Russia vs. Croatia betting odds
Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 6 July).
- Russia to win: 3/1
- Draw: 2/1
- Croatia to win: 13/10
- Fedor Smolov (Russia): 11/2
- No goalscorer: 5/1
- Mario Mandzukic (Croatia): 13/2
- Artem Dzyuba (Russia): 5/1
- Andrej Kramaric (Croatia): 6/1
- Ivan Perisic (Croatia): 13/2
- Ante Rebic (Croatia): 13/2
- Luka Modric (Croatia): 17/2
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
UK plans to expel spies from hostile states amid Russia-Czech explosion row
Why Everyone’s Talking About Proposed foreign agent registration scheme will crack down on Russian and Chinese activities
By Sorcha Bradley Last updated
-
Premier League 2020-21 predictions and odds: champions, top four, relegation
The Week Recommends A look at what the football media has to say ahead of the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich: Alphonso Davies expects a ‘goalfest’
The Week Recommends Key talking points ahead of the Champions League final
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City’s ‘World Cup’: Pep Guardiola’s team bid for Champions League glory
The Week Recommends Sky Blues prepare for a potential three knockout games in eight days in Portugal
By Mike Starling Published
-
On the prowl for No.16: Tiger Woods is geared up for PGA Championship challenge
The Week Recommends First major of the year will be held behind closed doors at TPC Harding Park
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Players: a big opportunity awaits defending champion Rory McIlroy
The Week Recommends World No.1 golfer aims to become the first back-to-back winner of the PGA Tour’s flagship event
By The Week Staff Published
-
F1 Australian GP finally cancelled after McLaren withdraw
The Week Recommends McLaren team member tests positive for coronavirus
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Premier League: Man United maintain superiority over City
The Week Recommends Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's side have beaten City three times this season, and result leaves Liverpool close to title
By The Week Staff Published