Russia will try to keep their dream run alive when the host nation face Croatia in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1970 here today. Croatia will expect their elegant midfielder Luka Modric to prevail in the knockout tie, but Russia coach Stanislav insists he is not thinking particularly about Modric, the man behind Croatia's brilliant performances so far in the World Cup. "I shall never focus on any one player of the Croatian team. They are playing great as a team and I don't think there is one player who is better than others; everyone plays at the same level."

Croatia had come to here early to acclimatise with the sea-side weather. It was raining heavily even after Cherchesov completed his press meet and it continued for another hour. The Russian coach was not bothered by the weather: "We've played here. We know the ground, the grass. Weather has always been fantastic in Sochi, comfortable football climate, so it shouldn't be a problem."