Russia vs Croatia – Soccer Preview-Predictions
In the last match to be played in Sochi at this year’s FIFA World Cup, Russia meets Croatia on Saturday. The local fans will be hoping to bind a fond farewell by seeing the hosts advance to the semi-finals. Some of the most spectacular and intense action of Russia has been already seen by Fish Stadium, so as we know both teams came through tough battles in The Round of 16, in matches held only a few hours apart.
The Russians fought tooth and nail to protect their goal despite enjoying precious little of the ball against Spain and eventually prevailed in a penalty shootout.
Taken to the wire by Denmark were also the Croatians. Zlatko Dalic’s men were forced to endure a prolonged test of their nerves as the match went into extra time before ultimately prevailing after spot kicks, following a frenetic start during which both teams scored in the first five minutes.
Which of the two teams recovers from their emotional exertions quickest remains to be seen and witnessed? In order to overcome Croatia’s individual and collective talent, The Russians will be looking to draw on every ounce of support that their fans can muster.
Did you know that this is the third time that Croatia has come up against the hosts out of their five World Cup campaigns? With a defeat against France of 2-1 in the semi-finals in 1998, they have not had much luck. Then they’ve been followed by another loss of 3-1 from Brazil in the Opening Match of the 2014 edition.
Possible line-ups:
Russia: Roman Zobnin, Daler Kuzyaev, Mario Fernandes, Ilya Kutepov, Sergey Ignashevich, Fedor Kudryashov, Aleksandr Samedov, Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Cheryshev, Igor Akinfeev, Artem Dzyuba.
Croatia: Marcelo Brozovic, Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, Danijel Subasic.
Russia vs Croatia– Soccer Preview-Predictions
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