Spain vs Russia LIVE World Cup 2018: Hosts knock Spanish out in penalty shootout as Igor Akinfeev saves Koke and Iago Aspas efforts
Follow all the live coverage from the first knockout round of the World Cup
It’s not been smooth sailing for Spain in the competition so far. Their 1-0 win over Iran is their only win in the tournament so far. They were all over the Iranian side all game but they struggled to find the net. Their poor defending has led to them conceding five goals in the competition so far. The Spaniards will need to fix their defensive issues ahead of Sunday’s game against the tournament hosts.
Russia opened the tournament with an explosive game against Saudi Arabia. Their dominant 5-0 win was closely followed by another strong victory over an Egyptian side that struggled massively this World Cup. Russia were served a bit of a reality check when they faced the Group A winner Uruguay in the final match of the group stage.
Their 3-0 defeat highlighted some major issues with the team. The Russian national side will be without right-back Igor Smolnikov. The 29-year-old Russian defender earned his second yellow just 36 minutes into the game after a mistimed challenge on Deigo Laxalt. Russia, who have already been experiencing defensive issues, will need to find a strong replacement for Smolnikov.
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What time is it?
Spain vs Russia kicks off at 15:00 at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Where can I watch it?
Live coverage will be available on either the BBC or ITV and online via their sports website.
Odds
- Spain: 4/7
- Russia: 11/2
- Draw: 11/4
Prediction
Spain will still be feeling the pain from their 2-2 draw against Morocco and will go into this game with it at the forefront of their minds. Russia will need to correct the weaknesses that were exposed by Uruguay in the final game of the group stage. Spain are heavily favoured to win.
4 mins: After a sustained spell of Spanish pressure that comes to nothing, Russia counter attack and won themselves a corner, but it's well defended.
8 mins: Spain have settled into their passing game, but without particularly going anywhere. Russia, when they've managed to win the ball back look dangerous, but have lacked the final ball
10 mins: Nacho is brought down to the right of the Russian penalty area, the first set piece opportunity for Spain
11 mins: GOAL! Spain 1-0 Russia (OG Sergei Ignashevich)
Spain scored from the free kick, after awful defending from Ignashevich who inadvertently bundled the ball into the net whilst wrestling with Sergio Ramos
16 mins: That goal means Russia will have to come out and attack, which may play into the hands of Spain. But, it should at least give us an exciting attacking game
20 mins: The goal has unsettled Russia, who clearly had a plan to frustrate Spain and must now change their mindset, and attack after choosing to play five at the back
22 mins: Dzyuba earns his country a free kick midway into the Spanish half after a foul by Ramos, but Spain again defend well, and earn themselves a free kick of their own as Isco was fouled. The Real Madrid midfielder has made a bright start to the match
27 mins: Russia have another corner, a route which looks their most likely to an equaliser
32 mins: Since the goal the game has settled back into Spanish possession and Russian defence, their best chance of set pieces was scuppered after they chose to take a corner short, and miss the opportunity to test the Spanish defenders
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