Croatia vs. Russia Prediction
Russia has surprised World Cup prognosticators by advancing all the way to the quarterfinals and now it faces another stiff test today against favored Croatia. Will the Russians carve out another win or will its run end at the hands of the Croatians?
Game Snapshot
97872 Croatia vs. 97873 Russia
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Fisht Stadium at 2PM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Croatia is a +115 favorite to win on the moneyline. Russia is a +295 underdog, while a bet on a draw is set at +200. The total is listed at 2 goals.
Croatia advances on penalty kicks
Croatia went to penalty kicks with Denmark in the round of 16 after a 1-1 finish through regulation and overtime, while the Croatians prevailed 3-2 on penalties. Both goals were scored very early as Denmark scored a little over a minute into the match, but Croatia answered in the fourth minute as Mario Mandzukic found the back of the net. Croatia held 53 percent of the possession, managing 22 shots with seven being on goal. Croatia was only called for five fouls and no yellow cards in the game, compared with 19 fouls and one yellow card on Denmark.
Russia shocks world with victory
Spain entered the World Cup as the odds-on favorites to win the trophy, but were sent packing in the round of 16 by host nation Russia via penalty kicks. The game ended at 1-1 through regulation and 30 minutes of OT, while Russia won 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Spain grabbed a 1-0 advantage on an own goal credited to Sergey Ignashevich, while Russia evened the score in the 41st minute as Artem Dzyuba put one past the keeper. Russia held only 26 percent of the possession and recorded just six shots (one one goal). Despite the major possession advantage, Spain was mostly stagnant after taking the early lead and allowed Russia to hang around, which proved to be costly. Russia was whistled for 19 fouls including two yellow cards.
Prediction:
Russia probably shouldn’t still be playing in this World Cup, but here we are with the host country magic. I think the run probably ends here. Croatia isn’t likely to be as complacent as Spain was and once it takes the lead, I can’t see Russia doing much to break into a strong defense. It’s been nice knowing you, Russia. I’m betting on Croatia in this spot.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CROATIA +115