Russia vs. Spain Prediction
Spain is a large favorite today in its knockout stage match versus one of the more surprising stories in the tournament in World Cup host nation Russia. Will the Spaniards take care of business or can the Russians hang in and notch the upset victory?
Game Snapshot
97851 Russia vs. 97852 Spain
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Luzhniki Stadium at 10AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Spain is a -175 favorite to win on the moneyline. Russia is a +538 underdog, while a draw bet is set at +290. The total is set at 2.5 goals.
Russia humbled by Uruguay
After two convincing wins – 5-0 over Saudi Arabia and 3-1 against Egypt – Russia was no match for Uruguay in its final group play match as it lost 3-0. Uruguay won Group A, while Russia had the second spot secured due to the first two wins. Russia held only 44 percent of the possession and only recorded three shots (one on goal). Uruguay scored in the 10th minute on a Luis Suarez goal, while it moved the lead to 2-0 on an own goal scored by Denis Cheryshev in the 23rd minute. Edinson Cavani added another Uruguay goal in the 90th minute.
Spain not looking like a favorite
After looking a bit shaky in its first match with a 3-3 draw with Portugal, Spain secured a 1-0 win over Iran before settling for a 2-2 draw with Morocco that was good enough to qualify for the knockout stage. A goal from Iago Aspas in extra time after offsides was waved off by VAR secured the 2-2 tie against Morroco. That result coupled with Portugal’s draw made Spain the Group B winner. Spain fell behind 1-0 in the 14th minute, but Isco scored in the 19th minute to even the score. The Spanish again fell behind 2-1 in the 81st minute before the late dramatics. Spain had 69 percent of the possession and fired off 16 shots (four on goal), while Morocco only registered six shots (three on goal). Spain only committed five fouls with no yellow cards, while Morocco was whistled for 17 fouls including six yellow cards.
Prediction:
Russia surprised us for two games against weak opponents, but the reality of the squad was seen more accurately against Uruguay. If the Russians can barely generate anything in that match, don’t expect a lot more today. Take Spain on the goal line because this one could get ugly.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: SPAIN GL -1 (+100)