FIFA World Cup 2018: Each Quarter-Finalist's Major Weakness

Russia: Lack of Defensive Pace

This is probably not Russia’s biggest weakness; that would be their simple lack of talent. Unlike any other team in the quarter-finals, none of their players play for Europe’s top clubs and only one (Denis Cheryshev) plays in one of Europe’s top leagues. However, that lack of talent hasn’t been a roadblock for the Russians so far. They have advanced to the quarter-finals as a result of defensive effort, grit, aerial dominance, a very weak group, home advantage, some luck and composure during penalty-shootouts.

Instead, Russia’s biggest issue considering their style of play is their lack of pace defensively. The hosts have played 38-year-old Sergei Ignashevich in central defence. While Ignashevich is still a solid defender (comical own goal vs Spain notwithstanding), he is probably among the slowest players in the tournament. His partner in central defence Ilya Kutepov may be a lot younger (only 24) but still lacks the pace to deal with most attacking players in this tournament.

If Russia play against Croatia the way they did against Spain, then they are likely to sit deep and let their opponents maintain possession. In that case, Russia may be able to avoid this issue but the Croats could expose them on counter-attacks after set-pieces. Russia’s run to the quarter-finals has been remarkable but it may end due to their lack of pace.