Russia vs Croatia (QF) - 19:00 - 07/07/2018

[strung out]

The poor relation of all the Quarter Finals to be honest, but one that should provide plenty of interest, if only for the novelty of watching such an awful team proceed so far in the tournament.

Croatia are ranked 20 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings, and Russia 70th, but that will count for nothing in the cauldron of the Fisht Stadium in Sochi.

I'm flip-flopping between the two countries, but I'll predict a Russian win to set up a semi-final with England.

 

[Teaboy]

Croatia are clearly the better team but Russia are on a role and could catch Croatia cold. If England were to get through and from a footballing perspective I would prefer to play Russia but because of all the politics at the moment Croatia would be preferable over all.

I can't see this being much of a match, too much resting on it. If Russia score early it may open it up for a fun match.

 

[sealion]

Russia on penalties for me. 1-1 after 90 minutes.

он возвращается домой

 

[Pickman's model]

Croatia are ranked 20 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings, and Russia 70th, but that will count for nothing in the cauldron of the Fisht Stadium in Sochi.

these are the same rankings that have england in the top 10 i think, they're worthless.

 

[Pickman's model]

play up russia

 

[sealion]

play up russia

он возвращается домой

 

[sealion]

три льва на моей рубашке

 

[Pickman's model]

три льва на моей рубашке

тридцать лет травмы

 

[sealion]

тридцать лет травмы

It's hurt, not trauma

 

[strung out]

these are the same rankings that have england in the top 10 i think, they're worthless.

The rankings actually only have us at 12, but we've made the last 8 of the World Cup, so they've clearly underestimated how good we are.

 

[Pickman's model]

It's hurt, not trauma

it's trauma for a lot of people.

 

[Badgers]

This match is a bit more important now .

 

[Lord Camomile]

Honestly don't know what I want from this match. Except maybe four red cards.

 

[binka]

Croatia were pretty shit last time out, if they get it together they'll beat Russia. Not sure about a cauldron atmosphere - these are all experienced players so I don't think they'll be intimidated by it

 

[Badgers]

Honestly don't know what I want from this match. Except maybe four red cards.

That plus a goal for Modric inside 90 mins

 

[Lord Camomile]

That plus a goal for Modric inside 90 mins

Two, just to be safe.

With assists from Lovren

 

[Pickman's model]

Play up Russia

 

[strung out]

The rankings actually only have us at 12, but we've made the last 8 of the World Cup, so they've clearly underestimated how good we are.

England ranked 12th, but we've made the last four of the tournament

 

[Lord Camomile]

Blatant ABE bias.

 

[J Ed]

The ITV coverage really isn't as good is it

 

[mx wcfc]

Tricky in terms of who we want to win, but I'd rather Russia were knocked out - saves us a high pressure SF.

 

[Lord Camomile]

This is gonna sound good.

 

[binka]

This is gonna sound good.

Russia always strong in the anthems, just a shame we won't be seeing a Russia France final so we can sort out the best once and for all

 

[binka]

The ITV coverage really isn't as good is it

I think Ally McCoist is better than anyone the BBC has doing co-commentary

 

[Mr.Bishie]

Cmon Croatia!!

 

[Badgers]

GET IT TO LUCA

 

[planetgeli]

GET IT TO LUCA

He’s playing is he?

 

[Badgers]

He’s playing is he?

Supposed to be the lazy fucker

 

[agricola]

I think Ally McCoist is better than anyone the BBC has doing co-commentary

that is like being the most successful team in the North-East though

 

[Lord Camomile]

This is... not great.