The first day of July features two World Cup knockout round games, starting with Spain, a favorite of many to win the tournament, taking on home side Russia. According to MyBookie Sportsbook, the Spaniards are solid betting favorites to reach the quarterfinals against either Croatia or Denmark.
Coach Stanislav Cherchesov was disappointed after his team conceded all three goals in their loss to Uruguay. After an early Luis Suarez free kick, Russia gave away two goals from corners as the hosts failed to secure top spot in Group A.“In our training sessions we played against these set pieces, and vs. Uruguay our opponents scored from set pieces. We wanted to stop this but we could not succeed,” the coach said. “Training sessions are one thing and then on the pitch is another thing. It is an art to be prepared and not just think you are prepared.”Russia’s Denis Cheryshev’s scored the sixth own goal at this year’s tournament, the joint-most number of own goals at a single World Cup (also six in 1998). Russian defender Igor Smolnikov became the first outfield player to be sent off for the host nation of a World Cup since Marcel Desailly for France against Brazil in 1998 final.Spain and Russia played in a 3-3 draw in November 2017, but the 2010 World Cup Champions have the better over Russia in tournament football, beating them 4-1 and 3-0 in the 2008 European Championship. As hosts, Russia will have the majority of the crowd behind them, but it would be a shock for them to win here.Although, Russia could cause problems because Spain’s David De Gea has allowed five goals in three group games. Some speculate that De Gea could be replaced by Kepa Arrizabalaga for the vital last 16 game against the hosts. Also, Spain full-back Daniel Carvajal is still searching for fitness after his hamstring injury in the Champions League final.
Spain v Russia 2018 World Cup Betting Prediction for Round of 16
🎥тренировки @TeamRussia pic.twitter.com/QagrWn2Nu0
— Сборная России (@TeamRussia) 27 de junio de 2018
- When: Sunday, 10 AM ET
- Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
- TV/Stream: Fox/Fox Sports Go
- 2018 World Cup Betting Odds: Spain -159 / Russia +460 / Draw +255 (Total 2.5)
France vs Argentina 2018 World Cup Round of 16 Betting Preview
Why Bet on Spain?
- Confederation: UEFA
- Head coach: Fernando Hierro
- Captain: Sergio Ramos
- FIFA Ranking: 10
- World Cup Appearances: 15
Projected Line-Up
- 1-David de Gea
- 15-Sergio Ramos
- 3-Gerard Piqué
- 18-Jordi Alba
- 2-Daniel Carvajal
- 6-Andrés Iniesta
- 21-David Silva
- 5-Sergio Busquets
- 22-Isco Alarcón
- 11-Lucas Vázquez
- 19-Diego Costa
Uruguay v Portugal 2018 World Cup Round of 16 Odds & Pick
Why Bet on Russia?
- Confederation: UEFA
- Head coach: Stanislav Cherchesov
- Captain: Igor Akinfeev
- FIFA Ranking: 70
- World Cup Appearances: 11

Projected Line-Up
- 1-I. Akinfeev
- 4-S. Ignashevich
- 2-M. Fernandes
- 3-I. Kutepov
- 18-Y. Zhirkov
- 19-A. Samedov
- 9-A. Dzagoev
- 8-Y. Gazinskiy
- 11-R. Zobnin
- 17-A. Golovin
- 10-F. Smolov