FIFA World Cup 2018 Round of 16 predictions

Match #3 - Spain vs Russia

The 2010 World Champions have had a mixed run of form in the group stages and finished as group winners courtesy of more goals scored compared to Portugal. Thanks to a late Iago Aspas goal they salvaged a draw in their final group game. Otherwise, they would have ended up facing Uruguay. The hosts, Russia, on the other hand, started the tournament in brilliant form as they scored 8 goals and conceded just 1 in their opening 2 games before they were brought back down to earth courtesy of a crushing 3-0 defeat the hands of Uruguay in their final group game. The likes of Cheryshev, Golovin, Zobnin, and Dzyuba have been excellent so far but Spain might well be too much to handle for the hosts.

Spain's defence is certainly a worry for Fernando Hierro as Pique looks like a pale shadow of the player he was in the past. Sergio Ramos has been better compared to his compatriot. Azpilicueta would certainly be a reliable replacement for Pique but its unlikely to happen. De Gea hasn't had the best time in goal either as he is yet to replicate the form he has shown with this club over the last few years. But the attack led by Diego Costa and supported ably by Isco, Iniesta, and Silva will prove to be too strong for the hosts. Russia will rest their hopes to hit them on the counter and from set-pieces.

Prediction - Spain 2-0 Russia