The Russian Central Bank has promised to mint a new 1/2 ruble coin if Russia beat Croatia and reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The bank made the promise ahead of Saturday’s game at Fisht Stadium in Sochi, where Russia continue their improbable World Cup run against a much-fancied Croatian team.
READ MORE: Hosts Russia hoping to extend World Cup heroics at expense of Croatia
Russia reached the last eight stage after a stunning penalty shootout win against Spain in the last round.
Now, as the team bids to reach the semi-final, the Central Bank says a new 1/2 ruble coin – amounting to 50 kopeks ($0.007) – will be released.
A tweet from the bank's official account read: "If Russia reach the semi-finals, we'll release a new 1/2 ruble coin. We're supporting our team!"
Если сборная России выйдет в полуфинал, выпустим монету 1/2 рубля. Болеем за наших! ⚽🇷🇺#WorldCup #РоссияХорватия #RUSCRO pic.twitter.com/dRaQjzrkgB
— Банк России (@bank_of_russia) July 6, 2018
There are no half-ruble coins in Russia at present, although there are 50 kopek coins which are of the same value.
Banknotes may have played a part in Russia’s remarkable run to the quarter-finals, according to some online.
Many picked up on the fact that the special 100 ruble note issue for the World Cup has a player striking a pose very similar to the one goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev adopted when he saved the crucial penalty in the shootout against Spain.
Russia go into today's game as underdogs against a Croatian team that defeated Denmark on penalties in their last 16 match.
The Croatians hammered Argentina 3-0 during the group phase, and have a midfield that contains the world-class talents of Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic.