FIFA World Cup: Russia and Croatia enter quarter-finals

Russia and Croatia have set up a quarter-final clash in the FIFA World Cup on Saturday. They stunned their rivals in the Round of 16 via penalty shoot outs last night . In the first match, the hosts beat Spain 4-3 and dumped title contenders Spain out in the last 16 following a 1-1 draw.

In the second Round of 16 encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium,Croatia overcame Denmark 3-2. Ivan Rakitic stroked home the decisive spotkick to ensure the Croats advanced to a last eight meeting with Russia after the two sides finished locked at 1-1 following extra-time. They could have wrapped up the result five minutes from the end of extra time but Luka Modric had his penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel. However, the Croatia captain returned to bravely take one of the post-match kicks as goalkeeper Danijel Subasic saved three of Denmark's efforts.

In today's pre-quarter final matches, Brazil



meet Mexico in Samara at 7.30 p.m and Belgium face Japan in Rostov Arena at 11.30 p.m. There are not many teams in world football who boast an even moderately successful record against five-time World Cup winners Brazil. Mexico have won six of their last nine competitive fixtures against Brazil, losing just twice, and will go into their last 16 clash in Samara this evening with full of confidence.

Belgium are looking to reaching the quarter-finals for only the second time since 1986 while Japan have never reached the last 8 of the tournament. The two teams come into the knockout phase off the back of very different performances .

The last two matches of the Round of 16 will be played tomorrow when Sweden take on Switzerland at 7.30 p.m in St. Petersburg and Columbia challenge England at 11.30 p.m. in Spartak Stadium, Moscsow.