Russia out to defy odds

RUSSIA have surprised everyone merely by progressing from their group.

That may not have been the most taxing task but far from coming home, football might just stay on holiday in Moscow for the next four years.

It should not happen but this World Cup is following the course of the global political landscape.

No one thought Trump and Brexit would happen and they do say these things come in threes. Russia, to win the 2018 World Cup 2018? It’s 16-1.

Croatia were nullified by the destructive Danes and Russia will be looking to do the same and upset the stylish passing game of Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric.

If Croatia are to avoid the drama of extra-time and penalties, they have to capitalise on their early dominance.

Spain were made to rue their missed chances against them and the longer the game goes, Croatia will know they will not be able to keep up with Russia’s newfound energy so they must go for the throat early on.

They are 13-10 to win inside

90 minutes but Croatia scoring more than 1.5 goals in the first half at

13-5 and Croatia HT-FT at 13-5 are better value.

But as much as this matters because the winners are potential semi-final opponents, today is all about England (evens) against Sweden

(100-30). And this looks the tightest of the quarterfinal games.

England’s reliance on innovative set-pieces might just not work against the defensively dogged and physically strong Swedes.

The Three Lions may not be creating a flood of opportunities for Harry Kane but he has been ruthlessly efficient.

His desire to win the Golden Boot cannot be underestimated but he is going to need help at some point.

The longer Raheem Sterling goes without scoring, the closer he gets to breaking his barren spell and this could be the game for him.

Using his pace to attack the resolute but somewhat stiff Swedish rearguard, he is 13-2 to be the first scorer and 1-0 England is 4-1.