The teams of Russia and Croatia will face each other in Sochi, for the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The locals were among the eight best selected in the World Cup after surprisingly eliminating Spain on penalties, while the Croatians beat the same way to Denmark in the previous phase. Hosting the 2018 World Cup was very good for Russia, which is achieving its best participation in the competition in history (since it began to compete as such in 1994). Without great individual flashes, the squad in charge of Stanislav Cherchésov managed to maintain a solid team with few fissures that was among the best eight of this World Cup. In the group stage they thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 and also beat Egypt 3-1, before suffering a hard fall against Uruguay 3-0. In the last 16 they beat Spain, against all odds. After equalizing 1-1 in the 120 minutes of play, in those that were clearly inferior but remained unbreakable in the defensive zone, they prevailed in penalties. The miracle of Russia maintains as its main argument the fact to be located in the most accessible part of the World Cup, although to stay alive they must overcome a rival of greater hierarchy. Despite facing the locals, the Croatians arrive in better conditions and are candidates to win the match of the quarterfinals. In a great World Cup, the national team commanded by Zlatko Dalic was first classified in his area after winning 2-0 against Nigeria, 3-0 against Argentina and 2-1 against Iceland. With perfect score, advanced to the last 16 to cross with Denmark, which he won on penalties after tying in one during the game. Without shining in their last game, the good game prevailed in this World Cup with a selection of top players like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic. Croatia travels to Sochi with the illusion of ending the dream of the locals, in a match in which it goes as a favorite.