World Cup: Russia v Croatia – who will face England?

RUSSIA v CROATIA

These two nations are set to battle it out in Sochi by 7pm for the right to play England in a World Cup semi-final. It’s a huge occasion for both sides and you can follow every kick with us

  • Russia v Croatia (match underway)
  • 2018 World Cup quarter-final
  • Winners face England on Weds
  • Cheryshev starts for Russia
  • Kramaric in for Croatia

 

CROATIA TEAM NEWS

Team to play Russia: Subasic, Vrsaljko, Strinic, Lovren, Vida, Rakitic, Modric, Perisic, Kramaric, Rebic, Mandzukic

RUSSIA TEAM NEWS

Team to play Croatia: Akinfeev, Ignashevich, Kutepov, Kudryashov, Fernandes, Zobnin, Samedov, Kuzyaev, Cheryshev, Golovin, Dzyuba

 

ONE CHANGE FOR CROATIA

It’s a similar story for Croatia, who also just make one change from the team that started in the penalty shootout success over Denmark. Andrej Kramaric comes into the side to replace Marcelo Brozovic.

ONE CHANGE FOR RUSSIA

There’s one change to the Russia side which overcame Spain in the last 16 as Denis Cheryshev starts and Yuri Zhrkov misses out with a calf injury.

 

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Russia have defied all sorts of expectations on their march to the last eight. Comprehensive wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt were followed by a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay which set up a last-16 clash with much-fancied Spain. After a 1-1 draw, the hosts triumphed on penalties to cause a huge shock.

Croatia won all of their group games against Nigeria (2-0), Argentina (3-0) and Iceland (2-1) to reach the last 16 where they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Denmark. Despite Luka Modric’s failure from the spot in extra-time, they won the shootout to set up this evening’s Sochi showdown.