After defeating Spain, Russia must adapt for Croatia

MOSCOW (AP) – Coach Stanislav Cherchesov seems to be the only Russian not to be touched by the euphoria of the country's biggest World Cup win in decades.

In the quarter-finals, Croatia will present a different challenge While his players were still celebrating in the locker room and the Russians invaded Red Square to celebrate Sunday's victory on penalties against Spain, Cherchesov was reviewing a list of upcoming medical tests, tactical sessions and squad selection decisions.

& # 39; & # 39; The job is done. Now we think about the next game, "said Cherchesov, adding that he will keep his emotions" for later. "

The veteran gross coach admits that other teams have more talent, but the win in Spain – planned" down to the millimeter "- showed that the right tactic meant

Russia's ultra-defensive approach worked against a risk-averse Spain team that completed more than 1,000 pbades, but almost none in the penalty area. , a possible symptom of coaching change just two days before the World Cup, gave Russia the opportunity to attack.

Croatia reached the quarter-finals as Russia – shooting after a 1-1 draw a very different game, and his style could hurt Russia in Sochi on Saturday Midfielder Luka Modric offers a pbading with a goal that was missing in Spain, while Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic have a versatility that Russia does not have. not met in the round of 16.

Croatia will take note of Spain's success in overtime, when it took more risks and started running to the Russian defense. When Rodrigo bowed the right flank, he forced Igor Akinfeev to a good stop before Dani Carvajal made the rebound.

Only Uruguay tested the Russian defense, defeating the team Cherchesov 3-0 in the group stage. Russia struggled to cope, but the stakes were slim as both teams qualified. An early red card for Igor Smolnikov and extreme heat limited the rough style of Russia. The Croatia match in Sochi should be cooler.

Russia can play with five goals in the back, against Spain, or a four-man defense, as in the three live matches of groups. However, playing five defenders against Croatia could expose the limits of the Russian team.

Left-back Yuri Zhirkov "has, I'm afraid, played his last game in the tournament" with a knee injury, said Cherchesov. When Zhirkov left, it meant Fyodor Kudryashov going left. Vladimir Granat entered the defense center, but failed to complete a single pbad all match. The only other option was back Andrei Semyonov, whose last match of Russia dates back to March 2017.

Whatever happens against Croatia, the cautious Cherchesov will have plans.

"It's one thing to be a strong team or a strong team. player, "he said," it's another thing to be a solid team or a solid player at the right time and in the right place, that's what we had. "

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