Croatia really worried me in the last 16 against Denmark because they just disappeared in the second half.
I was co-commentating on that game and Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic went missing. It was just odd - he got himself into positions where it did not seem like he wanted the ball.
We have seen Croatia throw in performances like that one before in the latter stages of tournaments. They seem to stop playing the way that got them there.
They got away with it this time, but they need to step it back up again against Russia.
We know what to expect from the hosts - although their win over Spain on penalties was one of the results of the tournament, they basically played anti-football to get it.
That got them through but it is not what we want at this stage of a World Cup, and I think they have had their moment in the sun.
It's a hard game to predict. Based on game which was shown in the last game agains Spain, I think that Russia will play the same way. They understand that maybe it's their only way to win this one. But what to expect from Croatia? Very bad performance against Denmark, Modric didn't score a penalty. I expect them to play with more passion today. But I also like the way Dzyuba play on this tournament. He's winning a lot of balls for his team and always looking for a longball. I think he'll manage to score.
Russia are hanging in there. It was a remarkable result against Spain. Did they deserve it? No, but it is amazing what momentum can do and it will give them real belief here. Croatia were such a disappointment against Denmark. They have far more quality but I can see them having to be patient. There's only so far that graft can get you and I can see Rakitic, who has been the player of the tournament so far, dragging them through.
Anything can happen now. Now the players are happy, they feel that they brought a holiday to the country. Many strong teams have already gone home. Russians do not have to play with a clear favorite. They have the right to dream and make their dreams come true. With Croatia you can fight for a ticket to the semifinals.
Croatia really worried me in the last 16 against Denmark because they just disappeared in the second half.
I was co-commentating on that game and Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic went missing. It was just odd - he got himself into positions where it did not seem like he wanted the ball.
We have seen Croatia throw in performances like that one before in the latter stages of tournaments. They seem to stop playing the way that got them there.
They got away with it this time, but they need to step it back up again against Russia.
We know what to expect from the hosts - although their win over Spain on penalties was one of the results of the tournament, they basically played anti-football to get it.
That got them through but it is not what we want at this stage of a World Cup, and I think they have had their moment in the sun.
Source: BBC Sports