World Cup 2018: 5 talking points as Croatia beat Russia to advance to semi-finals

#2 Attack, defence and attitude: Russia thrill, can build for future

Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

This was no cagey affair. In a performance markedly different from the ones they showcased at the world cup so far, the host nation refused to watch on and let the opponent take complete control of possession as they defended their goalposts.

Cherchesov’s side found the spaces in the Croatian defence and exploited the awkwardness of a deep-midfield pivot of Rakitic and Modric. They kept running at the Croat defenders, drawing them out of position and eventually taking the lead through a stunner from Cheryshev.

Russia brought in an attacking verve to their usual defensive resilience and for quite a while in the first half, Croatia struggled to cope.

Even after Vida’s goal in extra time that gave the Croats the lead, Russia refused to give up and rest on their plaudits for having come this far in the tournament. They fought back – their aerial prowess and superior physical giving them a massive upper hand - in the late stages of the game and were rewarded with an equalizer via Mario Fernandes.

Croatia might have edged the hosts out on penalties but there is much to look forward for as far as Russia are concerned, on this evidence. A group of promising players in the squad (Cheryshev, Golovin, Fernandes) alongside more experienced names, led by a passionate yet pragmatic coach gives them hope to build on for the future based on the solidity of this foundation.