Spain vs. Russia
The group stages saw both Spain & Russia shows sparks of greatness during the matches of their respective groups. Russia’s homecourt advantage helped dominate against both Saudi Arabia and Egypt, before having a taste of their own medicine against Uruguay losing 3-0 to Suarez and company. Their clear marksman has been Dzyuba who scored 2 of their total 8 goals in the Group stages. If he can get it going early for the Russian’s on Sunday, the home crowd may just push them to upset Spain as the favorites in this match.
In terms of Spain, their game really boils down to how well they pass the ball that day. They’ve kept their passing accuracy to over 80% each game in the group stages and that’s what helped them move on. They’ve struggled defensively in the tournament conceding 5 goals in the group stages (3 of those being from Ronaldo himself) and that may be in part to Sergio Ramos missing a game for the Spaniards.
Another couple factors play into this game. Russia hasn’t made it to the Knockout stages of the tournament since 1986, when the then Soviet Union faced off against Belgium in a bewildering 4-3 loss. To add on to that, Spain has not played well against Host countries in the World Cup and if Spain cracks under the pressure, Russia could steal this one.
Croatia vs. Denmark
Croatia and Denmark are both coming off impressive performances in the group stage and with both teams in good form, there is no telling what could happen. Croatia absolutely dominated their group, winning all 3 games in a convincing manner, even besting the favorites to win the group, Leonel Messi, and Argentina 3-0. Modric & Rakitic have really played well for the Croatians, making for an impressive attacking mid-field duo. Those two players really give Croatia the ability to shoot from anywhere on the opponents half of the pitch, which makes them scary. This team is an even more powerful threat than the Croatian team that finished third in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
For Denmark, this tournament has really been about seizing opportunities. They’ve only scored 2 goals over the span of their 3 group games but remained undefeated, showing that they’ve made the most out of their chances around the goal. They’ve also played well against Croatia, proving that they may be the Kryptonite of the powerhouse Vatreni team. Out of the 5 games they’ve played against each other, they’ve won 2, lost 2 and ended one as a draw. If they can pull off an upset, don’t be surprised if they seize the moment again.
The winner of the Spain vs. Russia match will play whoever wins this one. While I believe that Denmark has had a heck of a tournament, finishing 2nd in Group B just under France, Croatia’s momentum from the Group Stages will be able to make them victor in this round of 16 matches.
