Spain eye Quarter-Final berth as they take on Russia
Kick-off : 5:00 PM (Local)
Venue : Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Spain who are looking to win their 2nd world cup have got the players to do the job. The group stages didn’t went pretty well but they still managed to qualify thus far. They will now have to raise their game and hope for the best.
Russia the hosts will certainly look to upset their rhythm but Spain certainly are way above them and if they play their normal football should able to overcome the Russian challenge.
While, Russia themselves will be hoping for success as they vie Quarter-Final berth. They can do it, they just need to believe in themselves. Although 2010 world champions Spain will be a sterner test but they will need to give their all.
Spain have a good track record against Russia by the way and they will look to make that count.
Team news and possible line-ups
Alan Dzagoev will not be available for Russia for this game as due to injury. While Igor Smolnikov is suspended and hence will not play.
As for Spain, Kepa is available and might play Sunday’s game.
Russia XI : Akinfeev, Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Zobnin, Gazinskiy, Samedov, Golovin, Cheryshev, Dzyuba.
Spain XI : De Gea, D. Carvajal, G. Pique, Ramos, J. Alba, S. Busquets, Koke, Iniesta, Isco, D. Silva, D. Costa.
Prediction
Spain are the favorites to win this game and progress further and I think they will. But I still think Russia will give them a good fight. I expect a 2-1 win for Spain.
