Russia vs Croatia LIVE World Cup 2018: Penalty shootout goal updates plus how to watch online, TV channel, prediction, teams, line-ups, head-to-head

Follow all the action as hosts Russia take on Croatia for a spot in the semi-final

Russia fans celebrate in Moscow after win over Spain

Luka Modric and Croatia were let off the hook when they beat Denmark in the round of 16 on penalties after the captain had a 116^th minute spot kick saved.

Croatia have assembled their best squad since 1998 and stand a great chance of advancing to the semi-final. Russia have been lifting a nation with their inspirational performances as they continue to shock the world by overachieving.

The winner will play England after the Three Lions defeated Sweden in the other quarter-final thanks to goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli.

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When is it?

Russia vs Croatia is on Saturday 7 June and kicks off at 19:00 at Sochi’s Fisht Olympic Stadium.

Where can I watch it?

ITV will be showing live coverage on ITV 1 and online on the ITV Hub.

How did they get here?

Russia shocked the world when they beat Spain on penalties after keeping them at arm’s reach for 120 minutes. Veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero in the shootout and saved Koke and Iago Aspas’ penalties as Russia won 4-3.

Many peoples’ dark horses for the tournament, Croatia are enjoying a good run after topping their group ahead of Argentina. However, their round of 16 win against Denmark was far from straightforward. Martin Jorgensen scored in the first minute for Denmark but Mario Mandzukic quickly levelled the score to set up a nervy and tense game. Luka Modric had a 116^th minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but Croatia got the better of the Leicester and Denmark goalkeeper in the penalty shootout, winning 3-2.

Russia have already shocked the world once (AFP/Getty Images)

What is their World Cup history?

This quarter-final stands as Russia’s best ever finish in a World Cup since the Soviet Union finished fourth in 1966.

Croatia reached the quarter-final in 1998 but lost 2-1 to France, since then they have never failed to progress from the group stage.

Head-to-head

These two have played each on three occasions with Croatia never on the losing side. The last time they faced off was back in 2015 with the Croats running out 3-1 winners in an international friendly.

Croatia survived a scare in the last-16 (EPA)

Odds

Russia: 3/1

Croatia: 6/4

Draw (90 minutes): 2/1

Prediction

Russia 1-0 Croatia: They've got this far and while Croatia clearly have the better squad but then so did Spain and look where they are now. I don't know how but somehow, some way they'll do it again.

Key Points

• It's day 24 in Russia and the final two quarter-finals
• The hosts Russia bid to topple Luka Modric's Croatia in Sochi at 7pm
• Winner will play England after Three Lions beat Sweden in other quarter-final

[7 July 2018 10:08 · Ben Burrows]

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Russia vs Croatia from Sochi.

They've come a long, long way but can the hosts shock the world one more time and reach the semi-finals. Croatia stand in their way as they bid to emulate the heroes of 1998. Who will make it into the final four?

We'll have all the latest build-up from Sochi right here so don't touch that dial.

[7 July 2018 17:13 · Jack Watson]

 Who will England face?

The winners of Russia vs Croatia will face England in the semi-final of the World Cup. Yep, the semi-final!

Here's a few things which we picked up from England's 2-0 win against Sweden that took England into the last four.

[7 July 2018 17:15 · Jack Watson]

"There was so little of the sickening tension"

Jack Pitt-Brooke was at the Samara Arena this afternoon and called the action as England reach the semi-final for the first time in 28 years,

[7 July 2018 17:16 · Jack Watson]

Ratings are in

It was an brilliant performance from every England player, especially Jordan Pickford who was outstanding.

[7 July 2018 17:22 · Jack Watson]

How England ended Sweden's incredible World Cup run

"It was not that Janne Andersson’s gameplan failed, as such. If anyone could stifle this England side it was Sweden: physical, organised, stubborn, relentless."

[7 July 2018 17:23 · Jack Watson]

That's one way...

[7 July 2018 17:25 · Jack Watson]

[7 July 2018 17:26 · Jack Watson]

Set-pieces work again

Whether it is Croatia or Russia who face England in the semi-final, they will have to stop them scoring set pieces.

[7 July 2018 17:29 · Jack Watson]

Suspension watch

England's yellow cards were wiped, but did anyone pick two yellows which rules them out of Wednesday's semi-final, and are any of Russia or Croatia's players in danger of getting suspended?

[7 July 2018 17:31 · Jack Watson]

What a lot of fun

At long last, Jonathan Liew takes you through England's greatest triumph in 28 years.