Russia edged out 2010 World Cup winners Spain on penalties on Sunday, but had had only 25 percent of possession and made 284 passes as opposed to Spain's 1,137.

The host nation will take on Croatia in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Saturday.

"I think that the match [against Croatia] will be similar to the game with the Spaniards, in which Russia played very well in defense. Croatia like to control the ball... I think that the game will go the same way as the one against Spain," Paurevic said in a video interview published on FC Ufa's website.

He added that it was a bit surprising that Russia defeated Spain and that they should show their maximum since Russia are playing at home.

Russia's first-ever FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15.