Russia vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 7 July 2018

This is a Quarter-final match-up that few will have predicted. Russia have done remarkably well so far and will look to feed off the 12th man against a Croatian side that dominated their respective group, but struggled to find a spark against a plucky Demark.

Russia Probable Lineups and Stats

Russia are expected to switch back to a four manned defence, in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Igor Akinfeev, the hero from their last game will start in goal. Mario Fernandes, Ilya Kutepov, Sergei Ignashevich and Fedor Kudryashov could start ahead of an injured Yuri Zhirkov in defence. Roman Zobnin and Yuri Gazinskiy are expected to be sitting just in front of them, along with Denis Cheryshev, Aleksandr Golovin and Aleksandr Samedov starting in attacking midfield. The big man Artem Dzyuba is also expected to start up front.

In their last game with Spain, Russia opted to defend, resulting in very lopsided stats. Statistics don’t win games though, and Russia managed to win 4-3 on penalties. Russia had one shot on target, which was the equalizer. They only had 25% possession and 72% pass accuracy. Their work though came on the defensive end as they made 10 key blocks and 47 clearances. This made a difference to the game and at this stage of the competition, it doesn’t matter how you win.

Croatia Probable Lineups and Stats

Croatia are expected to field their usual starting XI with Danijel Subasic in goal, a back four consisting of, Sime Vrsaljko, Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren and Ivan Strinic. The five in midfield should be, Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic, Luka Modric and Ante Rebic, with Mario Mandzukic spearheading a 4-5-1 formation.

Their last game with Denmark was similar to Russia and Spain, resulting in a 1-1 draw and Croatia coming out on top 3-2 on penalties. Croatia didn’t seem as dominant as they were in the group stages, but they did have 7 shots on target and enjoyed 54% of the ball. They also performed better than Denmark in passing, with 81% reaching their destination. They didn’t have a single yellow card in the match, but Ante Rebic, Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Mandzukic, Marko Pjaca, Sime Vrsaljko, Vedran Corluka and Tin Jedvaj are just one card away from missing the semi-final should Croatia progress.

Russia v Croatia – Head to Head

Russia and Croatia have only met three times previously. Drawing twice 0-0 in the UEFA European Championship in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and a 3-1 win for Croatia in 2016 international friendly. Croatia came very close to the final in 1998 but had to settle for third place, and this is the first time since Russia was the Soviet Union that they have gotten to the Quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Expert Tip

Croatia looks more likely to win this match, given their individual player’s abilities and current form. Russia have scored nine goals in the tournament so far and could look to change to a more attacking style of play. Both teams have had their fair share of cards and it shouldn’t be an exception in this match. Croatia are most likely to end up 2-0 winners, but if Russia does manage to score, it could go all the way again.

Interesting Facts and Information

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