Croatia v Russia player ratings

Russia have been the surprise package of the 2018 World Cup and their opening goal against Croatia was no exception.

Croatia were quick to respond, levelling things up just before half time. Both teams created chances in the second half with Perisic going agonisingly close, only to be denied by the post.

Injuries saw Croatia literally limp into extra time but a well-directed header from Domagoj Vida put them in front until Russia responded through Mario Fernandes.

Despite an injury, Danijel Subasic pulled off a save to put Croatia ahead from the first kick and they made the most of it, winning the shootout 4 - 3.  

Croatia

Danijel Subasic - 8

Was beaten by a spectacular goal and remained on the field despite a clear injury in the closing stages if regulation time.

Ivan Strinic- 7

Worked well with Vida to slow down the tempo and maintain procession for Croatia.

Domagoj Vida- 7

Calm under pressure, sending the ball back to his keeper to give Croatia a chance to reset. Gave his country the lead with a header in extra time.

Dejan Lovren- 6.5

Very strong on the ball, used his physicality to get in the way of the Russian attacker’s run and shield the ball.

Sime Vrsaljko- 6

Dealt well with Cheryshev’s speed to cut off attempted attacks down the left hand side.

Luka Modric- 8.5

Sat back at the start of the game but created chances when he pushed forward after Russia’s goal. Worked exceptionally hard both on and off the ball until the final whistle.

Ivan Rakitic- 7

Used his speed to chase down anything he could and create chances up front.

Ante Rebic- 5.5

Struggled to win his battles with Fernandes, losing the ball at key moments.  

Andrej Kramaric- 8

Good vision and well struck switches opened up play for Croatia. Slotted the equaliser to level things up just before half time.

Ivan Perisic- 7

Lateral movement kept the ball alive for Croatia up front, came close to delivering the breakthrough for Croatia.

Mario Mandzukic- 6

Quick to get back but slower to push forward with most of the goal opportunities coming from the midfield.

Subs

Marcelo Brozovic- 7

Came on to replace Perisic in the 63^rd minute, adding to Croatia’s defence he allowed Modric to push up in attack.

Josip Pivaric- 6

Timed his runs well to get to the ball first and give Subasic time to get off his line.

Mateo Kovacic- 7

Impressive bursts of speed saw Kovacic create problems for the Russian defence down the right hand side.

Vedran Corluka- 6.5

Replaced an injured Vrsaljko and worked hard in defence to protect Croatia’s lead.

Russia

Igor Akinfeev- 6

Not really challenged and couldn’t do anything about Croatia’s goals.

Mario Fernandes- 7.5

Good movement off the ball saw him play a higher role that crated attacking opportunities up front and saved Russia with an equaliser in the second half of stoppage time.

Ilya Kutepov- 6

Stepped up to take the free kicks in the first half, delivering them well into the box from outside the area.

Sergei Ignashevich- 6.5

Didn’t provide anything for the highlight reel but got stuck into the Croatian attack and made it very difficult for them to find space in the box.

Fyodor Kudryashov- 7

Wasn’t afraid to dribble the ball up the field but made sure to get back so Croatia couldn’t capitalise on transitional play.

Daler Kuzyayev- 6.5

Provided the creative flair for Russia in the midfield taking on players and playing his teammates into space.

Roman Zobnin- 8

Challenged for everything he could in the midfield and prevented Croatia settling into their natural tempo.

Aleksandr Samedov- 5.5

A relatively quiet game for the midfielder, he was replaced in the 54^th minute.

Aleksandr Golovin- 7

Pressed the defence, restricting their space and forcing a few errors.