Sunday 1 Jul

Spain vs Russia - Match Preview

30 Jun 2018 Tampines -Tanjong Pagar INTERNATIONAL: World Cup, Knockout stage
INTERNATIONAL: World Cup, Knockout stage

Spain

  • D
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • D

vs

Kick-off
14:00 GMT
01 July 2018

Russia

  • L
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • L

Kick-off
14:00 GMT 01 July 2018

Knockout football is underway at the 2018 World Cup and we have already seen two of the greatest players knocked out in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as both Argentina and Portugal were dumped out on Saturday. The hosts play their last 16 clash on Sunday and they face Spain in Moscow.

STATS

  • Spain booked their place in the second round of the tournament ahead of Portugal, Iran and Morocco in Group B. They drew with their geographical rivals in their opening group game after Ronaldo bagged a sensational hat-trick before beating Iran and drawing with Morocco. It wasn’t the most convincing of qualifications from the Spanish players, relying on a late equaliser against Morocco to top the group.
  • Russia surprised a lot of people with their performances in Group A despite their loss to Uruguay in the third match. A 5-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia followed by a 3-1 victory against Egypt ensured they’d be in the next round where they’ve been handed a clash they’ll be quietly confident about, especially in front of their own fans.
  • Isco has easily been Spain’s most influential player at the World Cup so far and he looks dangerous in and around the opposition penalty area.
  • Denis Cheryshev holds the same value for the tournament hosts and his three goals have given him slight hope of an outside challenge for the golden boot.

HEAD TO HEAD

Russia won’t be able to take any confidence from their record against Spain with no wins in their six previous meetings. With four wins and two draws, the 2010 World Cup winners have a good record against the Russians, especially in major tournaments. They’ve both met at three European Championships and Spain have won on all three occasions. The most recent fixture last November finished 3-3 with two Sergio Ramos penalties being the stand-out moments.

SPAIN NEWS

After an underwhelming group stage, starts for Koke and Marco Asensio are expected in order to add some more flair in the attacking third.

Latest matches: Spain

25.06.2018 Worl Spain Morocco 2:2 D
20.06.2018 Worl Iran Spain 0:1 W
15.06.2018 Worl Portugal Spain 3:3 D
09.06.2018 Inte Spain Tunisia 1:0 W
03.06.2018 Inte Spain Switzerland 1:1 D

RUSSIA NEWS

A win for Russia could set up an easier than expected run to the semi-final and final but they must beat a very strong side first. They are without Igor Smolnikov who is suspended.

Latest matches: Russia

25.06.2018 Worl Uruguay Russia 3:0 L
19.06.2018 Worl Russia Egypt 3:1 W
14.06.2018 Worl Russia Saudi Arabia 5:0 W
05.06.2018 Inte Russia Turkey 1:1 D
30.05.2018 Inte Austria Russia 1:0 L

SUMMARY

A few months ago, this would’ve been seen as a last 16 mismatch but Russia have shown they’re not here to mess about and have a serious chance of upsetting Spain on Sunday. It is still Spain’s match to lose and they are considered as strong favourites for the clash but it won’t be as easy as many people expect, especially not with the support of a stadium full of Russian fans.

About the author - Tampines -Tanjong Pagar

  1. Tampines: Tampines Football Club, also known as Tampines Rovers, is a professional soccer team based in Singapore. They compete in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and have a rich history in Singaporean football. Here are some key points to consider about Tampines:

Strengths:

  • Experienced Squad: Tampines Rovers have a good mix of experienced players who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
  • Strong Attack: The team boasts several talented attacking players who are capable of creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net.
  • Consistent Performers: Tampines Rovers have been consistently competitive in the SPL, often finishing near the top of the league table.

Weaknesses:

  • Defensive Vulnerabilities: At times, Tampines Rovers have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, which can lead to conceding goals.
  • Inconsistency: While they have had successful campaigns in the past, there have been instances where they struggled to maintain a consistent performance level.
  1. Tanjong Pagar: Tanjong Pagar United Football Club is another Singaporean soccer team that participates in the Singapore Premier League. After a hiatus, they made a return to the league in recent years. Here's an assessment of Tanjong Pagar:

Strengths:

  • Resurgence: After their return to the SPL, Tanjong Pagar has shown resilience and determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive team.
  • Young Talent: The team has invested in young players, giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
  • Fighting Spirit: Tanjong Pagar has displayed a never-give-up attitude, often putting up spirited performances even against stronger opponents.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Squad Depth: Tanjong Pagar may face challenges due to a relatively smaller squad and fewer resources compared to some other teams in the league.
  • Defensive Fragility: The team has struggled with defensive solidity at times, leading to conceding goals more frequently.

Overall, Tampines Rovers have a stronger track record and a more established presence in the Singapore Premier League. They possess experienced players and have a history of competitive performances. On the other hand, Tanjong Pagar is a team that has been rebuilding and showing signs of progress. While they may face challenges, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improvement.

It's important to note that soccer teams' performance can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and updates on their progress.

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