Croatia can match the legendary team of 1998 when they face Russia

Grounded Russia
Russia have never reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, although the Soviet Union got there in 1966. And despite a call from Vladimir Putin, coach Stanislav Cherchesov is trying to keep expectations in check. “I’ll tell you openly that as a coach I’m trying not to watch TV and not read newspapers,” he said. “I’m concentrated on my job and I think it’s the same for the players. The quarterfinal is a different level.”

‘Never Was’ to Stars
Three weeks ago, the players on Russia’s national team were laughingstocks. Not anymore. Players like Igor Akinfeev — who stopped Spain in the shootout last round, Denis Cheryshev — who has become an unexpected source of goals for the hosts and Artyom Dzyuba — who scored the penalty against Spain are part of a group that’s done much more than was expected. In addition, they are hoping to have Alan Dzagoev, the midfielder who injured his hamstring in the tournament opener, available.

Croatia, 20 Years On
Twenty years ago, Croatia made their World Cup debut with a result that happened only once previously in the tournament’s history and has never been topped — finishing in third place. And that set a lofty standard. It also created a shadow every successive Croatia team has been forced to deal with and hasn’t come close to matching. Until now. But as Ivan Rakitic said recently, “At this point we need to forget about them, with all respect to them.”


Modric Dreaming
Luka Modric has already done enough at the World Cup to upstage some top names but he’s a couple of steps away from being a Croatian legend. He holds the key, with Ivan Rakitic behind him to mop up the attacks, Modric has the freedom to play a more attacking role.