World Cup 2018: Top 3 unsung heroes 

#1 Ilya Kupetov

Kupetov raises his arms celebrating a victory

Russia has been a revelation at the World Cup under Stanislav Cherchesov and will face Croatia in the quarter-final. With a sound defensive plan and great counter-attacking threat and great tactical game management, the hosts have entertained at the tournament.

Ilya Kupetov has been a rock at the back for Russia despite being just 24-years-old and notching just 11 caps for his country. Kuipetov has been resolute in the air and reads the game exceptionally well forming a solid partnership with experienced defender Sergei Ignashevich for the country.

Kupetov is a big robust defender with good technical ability and is a surprisingly strong player who has nullified opposition strikers. An important part of the Russian defence, Kupetov will face the test of his career with the physical challenge the Croatians bring in the quarter-final.