FIFA World Cup 2018: Spain and Russia to face each other for the knockout.

Spain only managed one clean sheet in the group stage, in a 1-0 win over Iran. Fernando Hierro’s side conceded five goals in the other two matches.

Russia, meanwhile, scored eight in their first two but were shutout against Uruguay.

The Round of 16 continues on Sunday with hosts Russia facing Spain at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow

Spain pipped Portugal to the summit of Group B, finishing above their Iberian by virtue of having scored one more goal. The two sides both ended the group stages with five points and a goal difference of +1.

Spain’s only win in the group stage was a 1-0 victory over Iran. La Furia Roja was held to a 2-2 draw by Morocco in their last match; although it could’ve been a lot worse than that. The 2010 winners were 2-1 down before former Liverpool forward Iago Aspas scored in second-half stoppage time to claim a vital point for Spain.

Russia finished as runners-up in Group A; picking up six points in their three matches. After convincing wins against Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the hosts were stunned in a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in their final group match.

Make or break

Should the side be level after 90 minutes, extra-time and penalties, if need be, will follow. Spain has a 57 percent win ratio in shootouts.

Spain has never lost to Russia in six previous meetings, winning four and drawing two. The two sides played out a 3-3 draw in their last encounter in 2017. Fyodor Smolov and Sergio Ramos both scored braces in the match; with Aleksei Miranchuk and Jordi Alba scoring the other two goals.

The winners of Sunday’s clash will face one of Croatia or Denmark in the Quarter-finals in Sochi.

Spain

Rumors have been floating around that Hierro intends to drop goalkeeper David De Gea. Despite winning Manchester United’s player of the season award four times in a row; his clanger against Portugal has not been forgotten.

With Pepe Reina a doubt, Athletic stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga could start between the sticks.

One of Marco Asensio and Iago Aspas is expected to come in for David Silva.

Saul Niguez is expected to start alongside Sergio Busquets in midfield. The latter one booking away from a suspension.

Russia 

After picking up an injury in their opening match, Alan Dzagoev has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

Igor Smolnikov is suspended following his red card against Uruguay; meaning Mario Fernandes should return to the starting eleven.

Aleksandr Golovin, Fedor Smolov, and Yuri Gazinskiy are all one booking away from a ban.

 

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