Artem Dzyuba was everywhere in that first half for Russia! He's been a real nuisance and every time Russia look to break away on the counter, he is their main target.

Image source, BBC Sport

Russia's historic World Cup victory over Spain sent much of Moscow into a frenzy of celebration and produced a rare moment of national unity.

But some Russians are still not convinced they can support their national team.

Many opposition-minded Russians feel the Kremlin is using the World Cup to bolster its prestige and deflect criticism of its human rights record and assertive foreign policy.

In the view of a minority, backing the national squad is tantamount to helping this agenda.

Image source, Alexander Ryumin

The first 45 minutes are done. England still have no idea who their semi-final opponents will be.

But what have you made of it?

Rate the players based on their first half performance here.

Image source, Getty Images

Two minutes of the first half to go.

Agada: The Russian defence were carried away by the replay of that handshake from one of the dignitaries and booooom Kamaric scores. Distractions

Sreejay: England must hope Croatia get past Russia! The home team draws from the crowd's energy and is extremely disruptive of the opposition's rhythm.

Femi: From nowhere...Russia caught ball watching! Game on!

After 20 minutes, I feared this game could be quite cagey but both teams are going for it. Will there be another goal before half-time?

Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport in Sochi

And the magic spell was broken. Stanislav Cherchesov is still digesting that.

The crowd is responding though as he waves his arms around him, calling for more volume.

That goal will hurt badly - just before half-time, and the marking was poor.

Artem Dzyuba thinks he's in on goal but he's penalised for a shove on Mario Mandzukic. The big man is certainly causing problems for Croatia.

Dion Dublin
Ex-Aston Villa striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Mario Mandzukic had two players to pick out as the two Russian centre-backs got dragged to the near post. Anrej Kramaric was in the middle of the box to head home. 1-1

Image source, Getty Images

Dion Dublin
Ex-Aston Villa striker on BBC Radio 5 live

The only time Ilya Kutepov and Sergei Ignashevich are not by each other's side is when they have set-pieces deep in the opposition's half. They have a strong relationship and the youngster is being taught how to defend by the veteran.

Ivan Strinic is in the book now. He pulls Aleksander Samedov's shirt as Russia look to counter. Silly foul.

Russia win a free-kick in Croatia's half and look to find the tall figure of Sergei Ignashevich with the delivery.

They do, but the centre-back is surrounded at the back post and can only fire it over for a goalkick.

Mario Fernandes does brilliantly down the right to swing a cross into the box but Aleksander Samedov can't bring it down.

The right-back has another chance to cross it but his touch lets him down and it's out for a goalkick.

Tom: Pickford would've saved that

Scott: Goal of the tournament right there from Denis

William: Imagine if I’d told you two years ago during that England vs Russia match at Euro 2016 that this fixture would be the World Cup semi final in 2 years time...