Russia vs Croatia LIVE World Cup 2018: Penalty shootout goal updates plus how to watch online, TV channel, prediction, teams, line-ups, head-to-head
Luka Modric and Croatia were let off the hook when they beat Denmark in the round of 16 on penalties after the captain had a 116th minute spot kick saved.
Croatia have assembled their best squad since 1998 and stand a great chance of advancing to the semi-final. Russia have been lifting a nation with their inspirational performances as they continue to shock the world by overachieving.
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Russia vs Croatia from Sochi.
They've come a long, long way but can the hosts shock the world one more time and reach the semi-finals. Croatia stand in their way as they bid to emulate the heroes of 1998. Who will make it into the final four?
We'll have all the latest build-up from Sochi right here so don't touch that dial.
How England ended Sweden's incredible World Cup run
"It was not that Janne Andersson’s gameplan failed, as such. If anyone could stifle this England side it was Sweden: physical, organised, stubborn, relentless."
England's yellow cards were wiped, but did anyone pick two yellows which rules them out of Wednesday's semi-final, and are any of Russia or Croatia's players in danger of getting suspended?
Russia vs Croatia is on Saturday 7 June and kicks off at 19:00 at Sochi’s Fisht Olympic Stadium.
Where can I watch it?
ITV will be showing live coverage on ITV 1 and online on the ITV Hub.
How did they get here?
Russia shocked the world when they beat Spain on penalties after keeping them at arm’s reach for 120 minutes. Veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero in the shootout and saved Koke and Iago Aspas’ penalties as Russia won 4-3.
Many peoples’ dark horses for the tournament, Croatia are enjoying a good run after topping their group ahead of Argentina. However, their round of 16 win against Denmark was far from straightforward. Martin Jorgensen scored in the first minute for Denmark but Mario Mandzukic quickly levelled the score to set up a nervy and tense game. Luka Modric had a 116th minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but Croatia got the better of the Leicester and Denmark goalkeeper in the penalty shootout, winning 3-2.
Russia have already shocked the world once (AFP/Getty Images)
What is their World Cup history?
This quarter-final stands as Russia’s best ever finish in a World Cup since the Soviet Union finished fourth in 1966.
Croatia reached the quarter-final in 1998 but lost 2-1 to France, since then they have never failed to progress from the group stage.
Head-to-head
These two have played each on three occasions with Croatia never on the losing side. The last time they faced off was back in 2015 with the Croats running out 3-1 winners in an international friendly.
Croatia survived a scare in the last-16 (EPA)
Odds
Russia: 3/1
Croatia: 6/4
Draw (90 minutes): 2/1
Prediction
Russia 1-0 Croatia: They've got this far and while Croatia clearly have the better squad but then so did Spain and look where they are now. I don't know how but somehow, some way they'll do it again.
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