AndreiX
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- Joined
- May 10, 2012
- Messages
- 17,455
- Reaction score
- 8,053
- Fav. Players
- sometimes
- The two previous competitive meetings, in qualifying for Euro 2008, both ended 0-0.
- The only other encounter was a friendly match in November 2015 which saw the Croats win 3-1 in Rostov-on-Don. The Russians led at half-time through Fedor Smolov's goal but second-half strikes from Nikola Kalinic, Marcelo Brozovic and Mario Mandzukic won it for the visitors.
- Yuri Zhirkov, who began Russia's last game at left wing-back, is ruled out with a calf problem.
- Alan Dzagoev, who has not played since damaging his hamstring in the opening match, could come back into contention despite a back problem.
- Croatia's Ivan Strinic appeared to be nursing an injury when he was subbed after 81 minutes against Denmark, but is expected to be available.
- Mateo Kovacic, who has been troubled by a shoulder problem, should also be fit.
