It is World Cup Quarter Final time and our Who Cares Guide returns to look at the Croatia v Russia Quarter Final clash.
For those who don’t have enough time to fully get into this World Cup, we have a shortened preview so you can keep up with fellow family, friends, and political conspiracy theorists everywhere with your new found World Cup Quarter Finals knowledge.
This time we offer some who cares thoughts on Croatia v Russia Quarter Final clash.
GAME 4 – SUN 4:00 (AEST) – CROATIA v RUSSIA
HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
Did anyone really think that Russia would get out of the group, let alone past Spain into the Quarter Finals? Liar. But who could forgive the team progressing as far as they have, knowing what will probably have happened to them if they failed.
As it stands they have not only invigorated the nation behind them, but a number of players will have probably helped themselves to a better European club, and a bit fat pay increase.
Maybe they weren’t pretty against Spain, but after watching a 1000 passes and more, who really cares about style when you can actually win a game.
Have they got one more surprise in them, you could argue that Croatia are not as good as Spain, but also not as good as Uruguay. What does that mean? Very little going on this World Cup so far.
Croatia stormed through the supposed Group O Death, which did feature Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland with three wins from three matches, the most impressive was the dismantling of Argentina.
They snuck home against Denmark, but could easily have wrapped it up before then, as they were the better side in the second half, and had a penalty missed by Luka Modric near the end of extra time.
Both of these sides got through on penalties, Russia have had an extra day of rest, and will that plus a vocal home support get them across the line? The more we think about it, the more Russia look good for an upset.
Croatia are one of two teams left at the World Cup that needed an extra playoff to make the tournament. Sweden are the other.
QUARTER FINAL PATHWAY
CROATIA – 1st Group D – 9pts – GD +6
R16 – Croatia 1 Denmark (won 3-2 on pens)
One of the few to leave the group stage with 100% record, they got past a tough Denmark, but still loked good. Remain the dark horse, and hopefully Modric won’t miss his next penalty.
RUSSIA – 2nd Group A – 6pts – GD +4
R16 – Russia 1 Spain 1 (won 4-3 on pens)
One of only two teams to make the Quarter Finals without winning group. No one in past 8 World Cups has made the Semi Finals and not topped group.
WHO CARES HISTORY
Head to Head – Croatia 1 Draw 2 Russia 0
Last Match – Russia 1 Croatia 3 – 2015 Friendly
Just the one game with goals and a result in it between these two sides.
WHO CARES FOR A BET?
RESULT – Croatia $2.20 Russia $3.85 Draw $3.10
TO QUALIFY – Croatia $2.50 Russia $1.53
OUR BEST BET – Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.44
WHO CARES WHAT WE THINK?
What we think will happen…
Croatia’s star midfield pairing run the show, and deliver for a goal a half to knock the hosts out.
What will probably happen..
Russia will blow the Croatians away like the Saudi game and take us all by surprise. With Mr Putin watching, glaring from the grandstand.
What our animal tipster Muttstradamus thinks…
Russia
What our small children think…
Croatia
WHO CARES ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE?
Who’s next?
The winner of this game will play the winner of England v Sweden
What to watch out for…
Modric and Rakitic. Sounds like a Croatian Cockney Comedy Duo. Can play.
Finishing with…. a match preview Haiku
Putin might be there
Russian surprises at end?
Hmmm lose if you dare
