Spain
vs
Russia
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.
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.
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
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
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.
01 July 2018 - 14:00 GMT
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