Croatia vs Russia Match Preview: Croatia start favorites against Hosts in final Quarter Final

Hosts Russia meet Croatia in Sochi to determine the final spot in the semi finals. Both Russia and Croatia prevailed in the Round of 16 via penalties. Coming of extra time, it can be expected that the game will be relatively more open and attack minded than their previous round.

The Croatian golden generation of Vedran Ćorluka, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic, and Mario Mandzukic, have often threatened to reach the highest echelons of international football, but have stumbled at crucial stages due to over cautiousness and managerial instability.It seemed as though Croatia were to face similar disappointment when Luka Modric missed a penalty in the dying minutes of extra time to grant the lifeline of a penalty shootout to Denmark. Goalkeeper, Danijel Subasic’s heroics combined with flawless penalties by Modric and Rakitic took Croatia over the line, but Croatia will be cognizant that familiar failings were once again at display. After an electric start to the game, Croatia sat back and did not threaten the Danes. Modric and Rakitic performed more defensive tasks than creating chances. A reason for the stodgy display could be the lack of midfield balance in the trio Croatia uses. Brozovic, the third midfielder partnering Rakitic and Modric is not a defensive midfielder by trade, and with his propensity to charge towards the box, Modric and Rakitic have to adopt more deeper positions. Another cause for concern was the young winger, Ante Rebic, who failed to look convincing while switching wings with his wing partner, Perisic. For Croatia to succeed against the buoyant host nation, they need to get Modric and Rakitic on the ball in threatening areas, and to do so, Milan Badelj, the ex Fiorentina midfielder could offer the key balance. Assured on the ball and positionally aware, Badelj can give the platform for Croatia’s playmakers to shine. Andrej Kramaric, the enigmatic Hoffenheim forward, could be a perfect replacement for Rebic, with his ability to drift in space, naturally ambidextrous game, and propensity to link up with his players.Defensively, Croatia have look solid but unlocking their attacking potential will be the key to Croatia making their first semi final since 1998.

Manager Stanislav Cherchesov admitted after the victory over Spain that he spoke to each and every player in the team individually before the match, convincing that a 5 man defence would be the way to neutralize the Spaniards.