Spain v Russia tips: Spain to down the hosts?
Published:
Russia have defied the odds and made it into the knock-out stages of their home World Cup.
The hosts’ position of 70th means they are the lowest-ranked side in the competition. But despite the national press fearing the worst, they’ve looked impressive for much of the tournament so far.
The early injury to Alan Dzagoev spelled trouble and perhaps an end of a challenge. But his replacement Denis Cheryshev has led the team to the last-16.
Spain certainly have the bigger pedigree of the two and are heavy favourites at 1/4 to qualify.
The Golden Eagles are 11/4 to upset the odds and advance to the last-eight.
La Roja scraped through as group winners thanks to former-Liverpool striker Iago Aspas’ last-gasp equaliser against Morocco.
So Spain come into the game as 4/1 second favourites for the whole tournament.
Diego Costa has been in fine goal-scoring form though, and he’s 16/5 to score first in Moscow.
Aspas may well make an appearance from bench yet again, the 30-year-old is 7/2 to be last Goalscorer here.
The midfield battle will be intriguing as it features two contenders for player of the tournament.
Aleksandr Golovin has taken the weight of being the nations’ hero in his stride and is fast becoming a fully-fledged star.
We all knew of Isco’s quality before the tournament but the 26-year-old is demonstrating he can be the stand-out player in a team full of winners.
Russia have been dangerous with the bustling Artem Dzyuba and potent Fedor Smolov in attack.
The hosts have found the net eight times already in the tournament –second only to Belgium’s nine goals.
Spain conceded some uncharacteristic goals to Morocco last time out so Both teams to score here is 6/5.
You can find more Spain v Russia odds here.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
