Spain vs Russia: Preview and Betting tips - Russia 2018 World Cup

Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

Spain vs Russia
3:00pm July 1st, 2018
Luzhniki Stadium

The global debate of who is the greatest of all time in the soccer sphere went to sleep for good last night when both suspects, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both crashed out in the hands of France, inspired by teenage sensation, Kylian Mbappe and Uruguay, powered by Edison Cavani respectively.

Spain will entertain Russia for the rights to play winners of the clash between Croatia and Denmark in a game that will stun most bookmakers.

This World Cup hasn’t been great for goalkeepers, the top shot-stoppers have been embarrassed without respect, David De Gea has conceded from every shot he has faced within his frame, Manuel Neuer was made ordinary despite how much he tried to show he’s not a spent force, Thibaut Courtois of Belgium kept only one clean sheet and that was against a makeshift England side, it doesn’t look like the end of it has come as Russia will look to heap more misery on La Roja who haven’t really impressed in this tournament.

Spain topped the group with a debatable Iago Aspas strike at the tail end of their clash against Morocco with question marks around the efficacy of the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Russia fell 3-0 to Uruguay, although they had a few players rested, they proved their real mettle against Egypt and Saudi Arabia, scoring eight in the process, the hosts have it all to do now against one of the best sides on paper in the competition.

Football is not known to respect names or history, Russia will trouble Spain.

Spain have failed to play as a team, relying solely on individual brilliance and the experience of the creator in chief, Andreas Iniesta.

Russia is filled with lots of average players on ambitious energy, they run tirelessly, attack with purpose and defend as a unit, the decision making of former Real Madrid man, Cheryshev will come handy, it will be another interesting Russia 2018 World Cup match.

Verdict: Russia to advance