The hosts come into their Round of 16 matchup with Spain as massive underdogs. Despite looking so good in putting on goal-scoring displays in a 5-0 opening match route of Saudi Arabia and a 3-1 follow-up over Egypt. They dropped their last with Uruguay as it was a different Russian side than the previous two matches. Having known they already through to the knockout stages, head coach Cherchesov elected to make some changes. They had a man sent off as well during that final match, all combining together to produce a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Uruguay.
Ultimately that outcome doesn't matter much, Russia were a different squad in the first two matches and will look to return to that form to try and spring the upset. Spain are the group with the best betting odds remaining in the cup, but that doesn't necessarily mean much. They were susceptible during the group stage, surrendering 3 goals to Ronaldo in the opener, and then 2 Morocco in the final group match.
While Spain certainly have the talent and the approach to move on and continue to go far in this tournament, Russia has the advantage of playing at home and the added lift from the crowd. It would certainly be a huge surprise if the hosts were to advance, but this tournament has been full of them, so why not another one? While a Messi vs Ronaldo Quarter-finals had everyone drooling, both Argentina and Portugal were slight underdogs heading into their matches and both lost. It's the perfect time for the first knockout stage upset, and Russia has the size on the inside to do it. Look for a miracle effort from the hosts, as they shock and advance to the Quarter-finals. PREDICTION: RUSSIA 2 SPAIN 1
ROUND OF 16
SPAIN
VS
RUSSIA
Sunday's second match features an excellent matchup between Croatia and Denmark. Croatia surprised with how good they looked, and Denmark looked plenty capable as well during the group stage. The Croatians looked the part, scoring 7 goals and only conceding 1 in their three group matches.
Denmark has Christian Eriksen though and he is fully capable of scoring a difference-maker at any point in time. The Danes are comfortable defending and don't concede much (they allowed 1 goal in their 3 group matches), while they wait for their chance to pounce on a counter. Croatia have the advantage up front with superb talent in place with Perisic and Modric. This is a "golden generation" of soccer for Croatia, and they will get it done against a very calm, and poised Denmark side. In what is a very close match, Croatia gets the goal they need and advances. PREDICTION: CROATIA 1 DENMARK 0
CROATIA
VS
DENMARK