# WC2018: Croatia is not afraid of hostile hosting against World Cup – Sports

Sochi. Croatia have been eliminated in previous meetings with the host country of the World Cup, but it is thrilled to face Russia in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

The teams face off at the Fisht stadium in Sochi The two have reached this stage thanks to penalty shootout victories in the last 16 finals – Russia lost 2010 winners of Spain before Croatia Denmark

Croatia lost 3-1 to Brazil in Sao Paulo in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup. In 1998, they reached the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to France in Paris

. But they could not claim to be favorites on both occasions, this time, Zlatko Dalic is very fond of Russia. "We can not choose our opponents, whether they are the hosts or anyone else," Dalic told reporters on the eve of the match in the seaside town of Sochi, in the Black Sea

. It does not matter who our opponents are, perhaps the only voice support for fans, but every week our players play in front of houses full of screaming fans, so that should not be a problem, and we should not "

For a country of over four million inhabitants, Croatia seems to have a golden opportunity to reach the last four again, as it did in 1998.

to be mbadively in Numerous inferiority in a crowd of more than 40,000, Dalic's side should have a spike The Croatian president, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, financially supported the Fisht stadium.

"The whole country is euphoric. There are parties when Croatia plays, and everyone is in the squares and cafes, "says Dalic. 19650000 "It was a great madness that our President attended the last match and that it will be here tomorrow (Saturday) .We are very happy, and I can only hope that she will have the chance to visit us in Moscow. "

If Croatia wins the match on Saturday, it will qualify for a semi-final in the Russian capital Wednesday against England or Sweden Their first appearance in the quarter-finals goes back at their first World Cup as an independent nation, in France 20 years ago.

This week marked the 20th anniversary of their superb 3-0 victory against Germany in Lyon, when Robert Jarni, Goran Vlaovic and Davor Suker scored their goals.

Coach Dalic had attended this tournament, but missed Germany's match to return to pre-season training with his club.

Ivan Rakitic The match at the age of 10 years in the Swiss city where he grew up.

"I was a child, so I could not go to France, but I remember that in my home town Moehlin we all went crazy and we wanted to show our Swiss neighbors how good we were a football nation, "said Rakitic, The midfielder of Barcelona, ​​30.

" They are our heroes, our inspiration, and they have brought us to this point, so I hope we can go later tomorrow. "

Croatia has a slight doubt about the physical condition of left-back Ivan Strinic and midfielder Mateo Kovacic due to problems with calves and shoulders. [19659002] Meanwhile, Marcelo Brozovic retains his place in the starting group, Milan Badelj candidate to enter.