Denis Cheryshev of Russia (R) celebrates with teammate Artem Dzyuba after scoring the 4-0 during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group A preliminary round soccer match between Russia and Saudi Arabia in Moscow, Russia, 14 June 2018. EPA-EFE/FELIPE TRUEBA Stay up to date with all the latest news from Russia with Daily Maverick’s dedicated World Cup 2018 section.
The Russian fairytale can’t continue, can it? Of all the teams to make it through to the final eight, the hosts are the unlikeliest of contenders.
Written off almost entirely at the start of the World Cup, the team and fans have reason to dream. Russia were just about expected to make it out of the group stage, but their elimination of Spain was extraordinary.
The 2010 champions were a team in disarray, though, having fired coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament. In their final group game against Uruguay, Russia revealed their vulnerabilities against more experienced sides.
Croatia, meanwhile, are perennially in the dark horse category and it's no different this time. They cruised through the group stage, but were also caught off guard in the last 16, unable to find a winner against staunch Denmark over 120 minutes.
Their penalty shootout was also woeful but they squeaked through, just.
An intriguing narrative presents itself, then. On paper Croatia are the better team. But for all their troubles, so were Spain. Russia unashamedly said they were aiming for penalties against La Roja and after watching Croatia's effort in the last 16, they'll probably be out to repeat the trick in this quarter-final.
Last time out
Croatia were knocked out at the group stage in Brazil and didn’t qualify for the South African edition eight years ago. Their best finish is third, back in 1998.
Playing as the Soviet Union, Russia's best effort was fourth place in 1966. As Russia, they've never progressed past the group stage.
Russia vs Croatia head-to-head and other stats
The two teams have met on three occasions. Two draws and one win for Croatia, in a friendly back in 2015.
Russia hold the best defensive record at the 2018 World Cup with 196 clearances, tackles and saves. On attack, though, they are underwhelming with just nine shots saved out of the 33 attempted.
Croatia, meanwhile, are one of the more attacking teams at the tournament. They've had 13 shots saved in attempting 61.
Russia play rough, having committed 70 fouls already. Only France, who have played one game more, have sinned more with 73.
The hosts haven't picked up that many bookings despite their rugged approach, though. They’ve collected just five yellow cards, while Croatia have eight.
The last five host nations to play in a World Cup quarter-final have all progressed to the semi-final (Italy in 1990, France in 1998, South Korea in 2002, Germany in 2006 and Brazil in 2014). Oh, Bafana.
Team news
Russia's Yuri Zhirkov is out with a calf injury while Croatia's Ivan Strinic and Mateo Kovacic are both expected to be fit, despite slight niggles.
Kick off time and broadcast details
Kick off time: 20:00, 6 July
Broadcast: SuperSport 3 and SABC 1. DM