Russia vs Croatia: Can Luka Modric lead the Croatians to the Semifinals?

Russia and Croatia will face off against one another in the last quarterfinal on Saturday in Sochi. Can Russia feed off their upset win over Spain in the round of 16 or will Croatia continue their dominance and take down the hosts?

Croatia comes into the quarterfinals after winning in penalties against Christian Eriksen and Denmark in the round of 16. Croatia didn’t look great in that match, failing to capitalize on several opportunities against the Danish.

But overall in this World Cup, Croatia has looked very good. They have only conceded two goals in four matches while netting ten times in those fixtures.

The Croatians look fully fit ahead on Saturday’s clash, with their starting XI all healthy. This will be a huge bonus for them considering they have played so well together throughout the World Cup.

Russia, who had the lowest world ranking coming into this World Cup, has pleasantly surprised everyone so far.

The hosts finished second in Group A to Uruguay, scoring nine times in four matches to this point. Their biggest upset came in the round of the 16 when they defeated Spain, winning 4-3 in penalties.

With a victory like this over a world-class team like the Spanish, Russia could definitely be riding a high and it’s clear they could beat anyone at this point after knocking out arguably the most talented squad in the entire World Cup.

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For Russia, they could be dealing with a couple injuries. Winger Yuri Zhirkov is doubtful, while midfielder Aleksandr Samedov could also be out of the starting XI.

The two sides have met three times previously, with Croatia coming out victorious all three matches. Their most recent clash was in 2015 when the Croatians downed the Russians 3-1 in an international friendly.

Players to watch

Croatia

For Croatia, there are several players who have been spectacular for them during the World Cup. Luka Modric has been a mainstay in the midfield, scoring twice so far in the tournament in four matches.

The Real Madrid man is the ultimate play-maker for the Croatians and will be a deciding factor in the flow of their attack against Russia.

Two other players in the midfield who will be key to Croatia are Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic. Both players are very skilled and have shown the ability to find the net during this World Cup.

Perisic is especially great on the left flank because he has outstanding speed up and down the wing.

Up front, Croatia will rely on Marko Mandzukic. The 32-year old scored their lone goal against Denmark in the round of 16 and despite his age, still has the ability to find the net at any given time.

Russia

The Russians may have trouble keeping possession against a very skilled Croatian midfield, but they will look to get the ball to the feet of Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin on the attack.

Both players have been spectacular for the Russians in the tournament, with Cheryshev scoring three goals in the group stage while Golovin has netted once thus far.

Golovin has used his great vision and playmaking abilities to break down opposing defenses in the tournament to this point.

Striker Artem Dzyuba will be an important part of the Russia attack as well. The 6 foot 5 forward has scored three times in the World Cup, including Russia’s lone goal in their upset win against Spain.

He is a clinical finisher and has a great physical presence up front for Russia. The size he has will definitely be a factor with balls in the air that come into the 18-yard box.

Predictions

It’s hard to predict a game like this because Russia defeated arguably the most skilled team in the tournament in Spain.

But if Luka Modric can control the midfield like he did every match during the group stage, Croatia could definitely come out victorious.

With Perisic and Rakitic alongside him, the Croatians could definitely dominate this game. Can they capitalize on their opportunities, that’s the question.

Russia has the support of a whole country on their back, so that could really help the host side. If their three main guys in Golovin, Cheryshev, and Dzyuba can have quality games, they could keep themselves in this match.

I do think Croatia will defeat Russia in this game though, either 1-0 or 2-1.

The winner of this quarterfinal will meet either Sweden or England in the Semifinals.

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Who do you think will come out on top?