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#1 Cheryshev opener v Croatia
Denis Cheryshev was introduced to the world during Russia's 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia. He scored two sumptuous goals on that occasion to give his coach Stanislav Cherchesov something to think about. He was meant to be a reserve player with Alan Dzagoev's injury opening up the door for him.
The hosts had made it into the last 16 after huge wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which enabled them to finish second behind Uruguay. They went on to upset favorites Spain in the first knockout matches.
What awaited them was quarter-final clash against Croatia. The Sochi Fisht Stadium burst to life in the 31st minute when Russia found the opening goal from nothing. Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba were the only Russian players near the ball with five hawk-eyed Croatian markers around them.
Cheryshev played the ball to Dzyuba and made an advancing run forward. Luka Modric slipped and missed Dzyuba's return ball, which allowed Cheryshev to rifle home a 25 yard left-footed shot in the top left corner. Croatian goalkeeper Subasic was motionless as he watched the ball fly past him. Russia lost this match on penalties but had already surpassed expectations by reaching the last eight.
