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from GEORGE SCOTT

CROATIA will party like it’s 1998 if they knock out Russia tonight.

The Croats are enjoying their best tournament since making the semi-finals in France 20 years ago.

So they are determined to heap misery on the host nation in Sochi and book a last-four spot against either England or Sweden.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic insists his players will handle the rocking atmosphere the Russians will generate in the Fisht Stadium.

He said: “Every week, our players play in front of full houses with opponents’ fans howling. This shouldn’t be a problem for us and ultimately we should not be hoping to have any excuses.”

The Croats won all three games to top Group D ahead of second-placed Argentina and then edged Denmark in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.

Step

Following some superb attacking displays, comparisons with the 1998 team, which boasted Davor Suker, Alen Boksic and Robert Prosinecki among their number, have been drawn.

And Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic admits they are drawing on the displays of that team to help them in Russia.

He said: “They are our heroes, they are our inspiration. They brought us to this point and we would like to continue on their way.