Spain take on host Russia in the knockout stage of the World Cup
Hello and welcome to this live text commentary of the World Cup last-16 match between Spain and Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Spain were not at their fluent best during the group stage as they overcame the departure of manager Julen Lopetegui two days before the tournament. Fernando Hierro has kept La Roja on course for a deep run in the competition, although his side needed a late strike from Iago Aspas to avoid defeat to Morocco last time out. Spain will have to put forward a stronger display against the host nation, who will have a tremendous backing this afternoon.
Russia were dominant in their opening two matches of the tournament, putting five goals past Saudi Arabia and another three against Egypt. Uruguay exposed them in their final match to finish second in Group A, leaving Stanislav Cherchesov and his team with a huge task on their hands this afternoon to produce a stunning upset. A win for Russia would open up the competition on their side of the draw.
Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Russia have never beaten Spain (D2 L4). Their last encounter ended 3-3 in a friendly back in November 2017.
Starting Line Up's
Spain subs: Daniel Carvajal, Andres Iniesta, Saul Niguez, Rodrigo Moreno, Thiago Alcantara, Lucas Vazquez, Alvaro Odriozola, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho Monreal, Iago Aspas, Pepe Reina.
SPAIN (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba; Koke, Sergio Busquets; David Silva, Isco, Marco Asensio; Diego Costa.
Russia subs: Andrey Semenov, Denis Cheryshev, Yuri Gazinskiy, Alan Dzagoev, Fedor Smolov, Andrey Lunev, Vladimir Granat, Aleksey Miranchuk, Anton Miranchuk, Vladimir Gabulov, Aleksandr Erokhin.
RUSSIA (3-4-2-1): Igor Akinfeev; Ilya Kutepov, Sergei Ignashevich, Fedor Kudryashov; Mario Fernandes; Daler Kuzyaev, Roman Zubnin; Yuri Zhirkov; Aleksandr Samedov, Aleksandr Golovin; Artem Dzyuba.
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