Quarter-Finals 3: Russia v Croatia, 7th July, 7pm(GMT)

[JJ1532]

Hmm, very interesting game here.

Russia knocked out Spain via a shootout after defending deep and playing for penalties from very early on. Will they be any less cautious now they are one step closer to the final, or will they deploy those same tactics?

As for Croatia, after looking good during the group stages, they were dreadful against Denmark. They were fortunate to get through, also needing penalties. Surely we'll see a better version of them in this game. But can they break down the stubborn Russians?

Croatia or Russia, who gets into the semis?

 

[SALTIRE]

Russia's luck to run out here. 3 - 1 to Croatia.

 

[valefan16]

Actually fancy Russia in this, home game essentially in their biggest tie since the collapse of the Soviet Union... they’ll be up for it and Croatia were really poor against the Danes...

Croatia are an odd side, they looked superb in a couple of group games two years back before being meh going out to Portugal, they seem to always have a game or two in the group stages where they look exceptional (same in 2012 too if I recall against the Irish).

I was impressed with them against the Argentinians but Argentina were dire.

Hard to call but I think the home support and the buzz the Russians must have after the last result will see them sneak a result.

 

[Vanni]

Go on Russia!

 

[JJ1532]

Extra time would be lovely, as would a few bumps and bruises plus a couple of suspensions. Cheers. Genuinly not bothered who we play. Russia in Russia is a real leveller and Croatia are a good side. Hopefully Southgate and co are sat down ready to watch and see what we're up against.

 

[JimJams]

Mistake to leave out Brozovic? The front 4 is all attack minded. And Rakitic aint exactly a defensive rock.

 

[Benji]

I think stupid Russia are gonna stupid win.

 

[JJ1532]

Wowzers, what a stunning finish that is. This World Cup just keeps on delivering. Wow.

 

[JimJams]

Wow!

 

[Pagnell]

What a fucking strike.

We want a Russia win here although I reckon we'd beat either of them.

 

[Boletus Edulis]

What a fucking strike.

We want a Russia win here although I reckon we'd beat either of them.

My genuine worry about a Russia win is what shenagingans might go on behind the scenes. But it was a cracking goal.

 

[Super_horns]

Nice strike ..

Will be snapped up by a Premier league side no doubt .

 

[Pagnell]

My genuine worry about a Russia win is what shenagingans might go on behind the scenes. But it was a cracking goal.

Nah, straight as a die is Russia. No worries.

 

[Pagnell]

Lovely build up, nice header.

 

[JJ1532]

Game on. Goal out of nothing there, seemed ridiculously easy.

 

[Benji]

Judging by the silence that greeted that goal, there's a heavy Russian bias in the crowd.

 

[Pagnell]

Clear shove? Shut the fuck up McCoist. If that's a foul they may as well pack the game in. What bollocks.

 

[markwwfc1992]

Ideally I'd want Croatia to win, and to pick up a few yellow cards along the way. Apparently 8 of their players are 1 booking away from missing the semi final.

 

[JJ1532]

Huge let off for Russia there. Not sure how he hasn't scored. Maybe he's taken shooting lessons from Sterling?

 

[Benji]

I thought it was a clever and good effort to avoid all the blocking bodies. Very unlucky to hit the inside of the post and miss in such a weird way. Perhaps a little too unlucky given the opposition...

 

[JJ1532]

15 minutes from extra time. Would be big for the semi-final if either of these 2 had to play an extra 30 minutes.

 

[Pagnell]

Not been impressed with either team, Modric in particular has been poor despite being the biggest a-lister on the pitch. Didn't impress in the Denmark game either. Hopefully it continues if Croatia progress.

As said above, this going to extra time would be an advantage to England. Hopefully it does.

 

[JJ1532]

Uh oh, Subasic seems to have done his hamstring. Big blow for Croatia.

 

[Pagnell]

Shit game short on quality for the most part. Good result for it to go to extra time though. Penalties would be nice too.

 

[Blitzballer]

so who's winning this then?

 

[JJ1532]

Don't care. Seen enough from both to know that if England perform, they can beat either team.

That Subasic injury was bizarre. Was it actually cramp?

 

[Pagnell]

Looking at the amount of Croatia players struggling, perhaps they'd be the better option. No surprise really though, this is the 2nd extra time game on the bounce they have had.

Edit and Russia have too. Love it.

 

[JJ1532]

Jeez, Croatia dropping like flies. Subasic suffered, Mandzukic not looking too clever, 4th sub used on another injured player. Them to win please, they won't have a squad to field in the semi-final.

 

[JJ1532]

Looking at the amount of Croatia players struggling, perhaps they'd be the better option. No surprise really though, this is the 2nd extra time game on the bounce they have had.

Same for Russia and all their 45 year old players remember. They had to defend against the ball hogging Spain as well.

 

[JJ1532]

Perfect. Yeah, they are the better team, but given they've still got another 20 minutes to play, they'll be so utterly knackered come full time.