On Sunday, Russia beat 2010 World Cup winners Spain on penalties to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the end of the Soviet era, while Croatia edged out Denmark, also in a penalty shootout. The last eight match between Croatia and Russia will be played at Sochi's Fisht on Saturday.

"On paper, Croatia are the favorites, just like Spain were before the game with us, but yesterday's game with Denmark showed that it's quite possible to play against Croatia, to control the ball well and to achieve the result... In my opinion, the chances of the teams [to win in the quarter-final] are equal... I don't think that Spain are weaker than Croatia," Kirichenko said.

He added that the Russian team must first of all organize their defensive line to keep at bay "very dangerous" midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric, as well as striker Mario Mandzukic.