Round of 16: Spain v Russia, 1st July, 3pm(GMT)

[JJ1532]

Hmm, how to call this one.

Spain have shown flashes of their 2010/2012 side at times, but have also looked seriously ropey at others. They needed a late goal against Morocco to salvage a draw, scraped past Iran and drew with Portugal. They've hardly progressed in convincing fashion, but with the quality they've got, they are always a threat.

In their way are the hosts Russia, who got a bit of a reality check in their 3-0 defeat by Uruguay. Stopped their momentum dead after the 2 heavy wins against Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Can they pull off a big shock by knocking out Spain, or is this a step too far for them?

 

[SALTIRE]

Can see Russia giving Spain a real game here. Think it will be a very nervy one indeed, and I think it'll go to extra time, where Spain will just knick it. 2 - 1 Spain AET

 

[Abertawe]

Call me MAD but I'm fancying the Russian's to get a result this afternoon provided they get stuck in from the get go make use of what's sure to be a vociferous crowd behind them.

 

[Leo]

Looking forward to this one. If it's anywhere near as good as yesterday afternoon's game it will be a belter.

 

[JimJams]

No Dzagoev or Cheryshev in the starting lineup is a bit odd.

 

[JJ1532]

Dzagoev is only just returning from a hamstring injury he suffered in the opening game. They didn't even think he'd play again this summer when he got the injury, so he's probably not fit to start.

 

[Jockney]

Russians pressing well. Was worried they might put men behind the ball and let Spain play the ball about. Think they'll nick this.

 

[Leo]

an og and Spain go 1-0 in front.

 

[rudebwoyben]

What a fuck up that was...

 

[JJ1532]

Ridiculous defending, why on earth defenders think just wrestling your man instead of looking at the ball is an effective tactic is beyond me.

 

[Jockney]

Russians pressing well. Was worried they might put men behind the ball and let Spain play the ball about. Think they'll nick this.

Well that's fucked it.

 

[Jockney]

Russian player tries to wrestle Ramos out of the game and ends up either providing the perfect assist. LOL.

 

[JimJams]

Dzagoev is only just returning from a hamstring injury he suffered in the opening game. They didn't even think he'd play again this summer when he got the injury, so he's probably not fit to start.

I know but Cheryshev was his replacement.

 

[JJ1532]

I know but Cheryshev was his replacement.

Maybe something to do with the doping allegations against him?

 

[JimJams]

So they're saying they reckon he is a drugs cheat.

 

[Leo]

what a wasted corner by Russia.

 

[JJ1532]

I'll never understand why you get all your big men up for a corner, then play it short.

 

[JJ1532]

Blatant penalty, sorry Pique, not got a leg to stand on there.

 

[Leo]

Blatant penalty, sorry Pique, not got a leg to stand on there.

yep, thinking the same....1-1 now.

 

[Bilo]

Get in!

 

[rudebwoyben]

Another fuck up there. Indeed Pique has no defence to make.

 

[rudebwoyben]

For all of their passing dominance Spain have not had a single shot on goal.

 

[JimJams]

I like this ref. Took no shit from Brazil either.

 

[Gassy]

For all of their passing dominance Spain have not had a single shot on goal.

This.

Spain have just passed the ball wth absolutely no meaning. That goal was probably deserved purely for Russia doing so well in holding their shape

 

[Chris FGR]

Spain will lift it when they want to. Russia done well but just too many quality players for Spain not to get another one or two.

 

[JJ1532]

Pique has been toying with a red card the whole tournament, I'd love for him to get sent off here.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Keep waiting and expecting Spain to suddenly up the tempo and move through some gears, as France were able to yesterday. Not happened yet though, it's so slow and sideways more often than not.

 

[Leo]

Spain showed just a moment ago how good their movement & passing CAN be when attacking....(eventually stopped due to a foul) but that first half fucking about sideways, backwards (simply for possession) with absolutely no end product is boring as fuck.

 

[Gassy]

Spain will lift it when they want to. Russia done well but just too many quality players for Spain not to get another one or two.

This is what we all thought about Germany...

Don’t forget Spain are pretty much playing without a manager

 

[DarkSithLord]

Can see this going to extra time the rate its going.