Russia v Croatia - Preview and possible lineups

Russia: Yuri Zhirkov came off during Russia's round of 16 clash, but he has returned to training this week, along with Aleksandr Samedov. The latter could start, but Zhirkov will likely be named on the bench. 

Denis Cheryshev could also feature from minute one, after being benched against Spain. Alan Dzagoev is still recovering from a hamstring problem, and looks set to miss the game. 

Croatia: The 'Vatreni' have a full squad to pick from, with no injuries or suspensions. Their game against Denmark went to penalties, meaning there may be fatigue, but the same goes for Russia after their shootout against Spain. 

Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov:

The hosts made it to the last eight thanks to a surprise victory over Spain, but Cherchesov isn't dwelling on past successes. “It’s a good story to remind ourselves of this game against Spain," he said. "For this country, it was a great step forward. But let us look forward.

"This is a different game and I’m absolutely sure that in the quarter-final you get to a different level."

He said his side are well aware of Croatia's quality. “We know every one of their players because they play in the top leagues in the top clubs and we are preparing ourselves for a very serious match,” he stated. “I will not focus on one player in the Croatian team."

“They are playing great in all positions and I can’t say one player is better than the other. We will have to do something with our players to play against them as a team, and individually our players will have to play well.”

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic:

Dalic is very conscient of the boost that Russia will have from the home crowd. “They have everyone behind them, the whole country wants them to win,” he said. “But my players have played in big matches, in big stadiums."

"We have done our work on them. Against Denmark, we did not expect Jonas Knudsen to keep throwing long-balls because he didn't play in the last six matches. But he did and they scored. We will be ready for Russia. I believe in my players.”

“This is my national team, this is my country, these are my people. That is why I give everything for this. I must give everything for this.”

Did you know?

This is the third time that Croatia have come up against the hosts at a World Cup. History isn't on their side though; they lost both of these games, 2-1 against France in 1998 and 3-1 in Brazil in 2014.

Form:

Possible lineups:

Russia: Akinfeev; Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Kudryashov; Zobnin, Kuzyaev; Samedov, Golovin, Cheryshev; Dzyuba.

Croatia: Subasic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic; Rakitic, Brozovic, Rebic, Modric, Perisic; Mandzukic.