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Russia vs Croatia Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup
by Steve Ashfield | in World Cup Predictions
Ranked only 71st in the world, Russian fans weren't too optimistic about how the host nation would progress at the 2018 World Cup. Getting out of their group was perhaps the most optimistic fans were but now they find themselves in the quarter finals having beaten Spain on penalties on Saturday. Despite getting a small amount of possession, they still managed to draw 1-1 after 90 minutes after spending most the afternoon watching Spain's players pass the ball to each other without looking particularly threatening. Russia have never reached the semi-finals of this tournament and only once got to the last four of the European Championships. They are unbeaten in their last five games which is a big improvement considering they had lost the three played before that and conceded seven goals. Russia aren't exactly the most exciting of teams and just as when they faced Uruguay in their group, the moment they meet a top nation they are likely to lose but Croatia don't quite fit into that category.
Croatia started the tournament with a 2-0 win over Nigeria and then had that fantastic 3-0 victory over a woeful Argentinian side. They made nine changes for their final group match but still managed to beat Iceland 2-1 to end the group with maximum points. That led to a last sixteen clash with Denmark but the excitement of two goals in the first four minutes wasn't maintained. It was a very disappointing match and if Croatia play as poorly as they did against Denmark, then Russia's incredible World Cup might just see them reach the last four. That's the problem with this game, just which Croatia will turn up. Will it be the one that impressed earlier or the one that was so disappointing against Denmark. A solid bet looks to go for under 2.5 goals to be scored in this match so that's the tip.
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Players list
I. Akinfeev
DefenderM. Fernandes
I. Kutepov
S Ignashevich
F. Kudryashov
MidfielderR. Zobnin
D. Kuzyaev
A. Yerokhin
A. Dzagoev
ForwardF. Smolov
Y. Gazinskiy
D. Subasic
DefenderV Corluka
D. Lovren
D. Vida
J. Pivaric
MidfielderI. Rakitic
L. Modric
ForwardA. Rebic
M. Kovacic
M. Brozovic
M Mandzukic
Substitutes
A. Lunev
V Gabulov
DefenderV Granat
A. Semenov
I. Smolnikov
MidfielderY Zhirkov
A. Miranchuk
A. Yerokhin
A. Dzagoev
Y. Gazinskiy
A. Miranchuk
F. Smolov
L. Kalinic
D. Livakovic
DefenderT. Jedvaj
D. Caleta-Car
V Corluka
J. Pivaric
M. Badelj
F. Bradaric
M. Kovacic
M. Brozovic
M. Pjaca
Most goals and assists
Russia
Croatia
I. Perisic
(3 Goals)
,
M Mandzukic
(3 Goals)
,
A. Kramaric
(3 Goals)
L. Modric
(2 Assists)
,
I. Perisic
(2 Assists)
Russia - Croatia Key Points
- Six of the last nine Croatia games have had under 2.5 goals scored in them.
- Five of the last nine Russian games at the World Cup finals have had under 2.5 goals scored in them.
- The two sides have met three times in the past and two of the games ended goalless.
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Our Russia vs Croatia Prediction
Russian fans are beginning to dream the impossible and they could yet make it to the final of the 2018 World Cup. They aren't the best of teams in this tournament by a long shot and Spain really should have beaten them at the weekend. They have great support from their fans though who really do act as their 12th man. Croatia have blown hot and cold in this tournament with that impressive performance against Argentina and a dire one against Denmark,. Choosing a winner is difficult but a bet on under 2.5 goals looks the one to go for.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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