The teams of Russia and Croatia will face each other in Sochi, for the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup. The locals were among the eight best selected in the Football World Cup after surprisingly eliminating Spain on penalties, while the Croatians beat the same way to Denmark in the previous phase. Croatia is the favorite to win the match.
Hosting the 2018
Football World Cup was very good for Russia, which is achieving its best
participation in the competition in history (since it began to compete as such
in 1994). Without great individual flashes, the squad in charge of Stanislav
Cherchesov managed to maintain a solid team with few fissures that was among
the best eight of this Soccer World Cup.
In the group stage they thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 and also beat Egypt 3-1,
before suffering a hard fall against Uruguay 3-0. In the last 16 they beat
Spain, against all odds. After equalizing 1-1 in the 120 minutes of play, in
those that were clearly inferior but remained unbreakable in the defensive
zone, they prevailed in penalties. The miracle of Russia maintains as its main
argument the fact to be located in the most accessible part of the World Cup,
although to stay alive they must overcome a rival of greater hierarchy.
Despite facing the locals, the Croatians arrive in better
conditions and are candidates to win the match of the quarterfinals. In a great
World Cup, the national team commanded by Zlatko Dalic qualified first in their
area after defeating Nigeria 2-0, Argentina 3-0 and Iceland 2-1. With perfect
score, advanced to the last 16 to cross with Denmark, which he won on penalties
after tying in one during the game. Without shining in their last game, the
good game prevailed in this World Cup with a selection of top players like Luka
Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic. Croatia travels to Sochi with the
illusion of ending the dream of the locals, in a match in which it goes as a
favorite.
For the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup, Russia and Croatia will play in Sochi. It will be the fourth match between
these teams in their history, with two draws and a Croatian victory.The locals
have been doing a good performance in the World Cup, although they were quite
lucky and now will play against a team that is very superior in football.
