2018 FIFA World Cup – Spain vs Russia Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Sunday 1st July, 15:00
Where? Luzhniki Stadium
What channel is it on? BBC
Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer
Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/football-world-cup-2018-tickets/ca2171?afl=694JWFTART&gclid=CjwKCAjw3cPYBRB7EiwAsrc-ubpt4g60RCE1cxEY1qD29AUk7XLBVGrSrMV_EvR_BqvkoCzBoUdigRoCvlEQAvD_BwE
THE TEAM NEWS
SPAIN
- Spain came through their group but not without the occasional scare and the five goals conceded are a major concern for Fernando Hierro.
- The starting eleven is relatively settled at the moment with just one midfield spot seemingly up for grabs between Koke and Thiago.
- They will know they have to improve defensively and avoid the individual errors which have been far too rife in the group stage.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3):
De Gea
Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Alba
David Silva, Busquets, Koke
Iniesta, Diego Costa, Isco
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
RUSSIA
- Russia were unceremoniously hammered by Uruguay in their last group game but they were not helped by a first half red card for Smolnikov.
- He misses out here through suspension while Cherchesov will wait as long as possible to check on the fitness of star playmaker Dzagoev.
- Otherwise the likelihood is that after making some rotations against Uruguay, they will revert to the team that beat Egypt.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):
Akinfeev
Fernandes, Ignashevich, Kutepov, Zhirkov
Gazinskiy, Zobnin
Samedov, Golovin, Cheryshev
Dzyuba
Unavailable: Smolnikov
Doubtful: Dzagoev
THE PREDICTION
This is essentially an away game for Spain, but as Uruguay showed in the last group game, the Russian crowd can be silenced pretty quickly. Spain's matches have been uncharacteristically open as they look vulnerable at the back, but they should have far too much quality going forward for Russia.
