WC 2018 | Round of 16 | Russia Vs Spain

After watching Spain today, there's still some hope for Russia in this game?

if Aspas starts instead of the donkey that is Costa then no

Also Koke should play instead of Iniesta for the good of Spain and Europe in general

S wrote:After watching Spain today, there's still some for Russia in this game?

Nah, as little as I think of Spain there's no way Russia beats them lol.

Spain will slaughter Russia... worst possible outcome for Russia other than Germany. They cannot handle possession teams.

Spain won't slaughter no team. Probably the only team I've watched in this WC that have to pass every single member of the XI to go from one wing to another. Hierro needs to take out one one of these midfielders who look identical to each other and put on a winger

halamadrid2 wrote:Spain won't slaughter no team. Probably the only team I've watched in this WC that have to pass every single member of the XI to go from one wing to another. Hierro needs to take out one one of these midfielders who look identical to each other and put on a winger

Lucas and Asensio would probably offer as much as any of the midfielders now.

Myesyats wrote:
Also Koke should play instead of Iniesta for the good of Spain and Europe in general

why?

Reminder, object of group play is 1st to qualify and 2nd is to hopefully get first. Mission accomplished. Now the real tournament begins. Good teans build slowly.

El Gunner wrote:

Myesyats wrote:
Also Koke should play instead of Iniesta for the good of Spain and Europe in general

why?

Haven't you seen the game? Iniesta is very wasteful, Spain would be so much better off with Koke or Asensio instead.

I disagree.

Bring on Koke, Asensio, Thiago after 70 minutes

Iniesta has been better than Silva

I disagree as well. The midfield that started tonight should continue to do so for the rest of the tournament, with Asensio being first option off the bench for attacking purposes, and Koke for holding purposes.

futbol_bill wrote:Bring on Koke, Asensio, Thiago after 70 minutes

who would you rather start next to Busquets instead of Thiago?

Asensio (and yes I am a fan ) has done nothing in his 2 appearances.

futbol_bill wrote:Bring on Koke, Asensio, Thiago after 70 minutes

Yeah that's another option, I know for sure that Iniesta shouldn't play 90 minutes of every game. More fresh blood is needed, but reasonable balance is important.

It’s either Thiago or Koke. i’m Ok with either one

Spain have been weak throughout. Russia can take them.

How can any "sane" person claim Spain would slaughter ANY team after watching them so far?

Their defense can easily be gotten at. They'll be playing in front of pumped up 80k crowd against a rested Russian side.

I reckon draw after 90 mins and Spain win in ET because Russians will be knackered.

Seconding Spain killing Russia.

Benching Iniesta is dumb too. He's the greatest big game player of all time. Maybe he doesn't play the full game, that's fine, but you need Iniesta in the knockouts of a WC.

Russia will just hoof it to Dzyuba who will win 9/10 duels up front and hope the ball bounces to Cheryshev and Golovin.

Spain, sadly, got this.

Spain surely unless Golovin becomes Zidane overnight (is there a drug for that?)

I can't see Spain benching Iniesta now, seems silly to play through him given the other options in the team but you live and die through such choices

edit- reported for disturbing lack of poll

Spain has been unimpressive but Russia has been pure ordinary. In theory, Spain will win (there won't be slaughter, BTW) but I have voted Russia.

There are lots of doubts here in Spain about this team. The doubts begin with Hierro, after the ridiculous dismissal of Lopetequi.

Next is De Gea with now and open call for Kepa.

then it’s defense and generally their openness to counters, like the misread between Ramos and Iniesta yesterday. Defense in this regard is considered Ramos, Pique, Alba, Carvajal and Busquets. Then there is the issue of defense of set plays and finally the not up to form of Carvajal. However, these are the best we have, including portero, so solution has to be better concentration.

Next is offense with Silva, Iniesta mostly being questioned. Also performance of Aspas. Perhaps answer to play with 2 strikers, Aspas the second at the expense of Silva plus sub of Iniesta after 60 minutes. Alternatives are Koke or Thiago (depending on who starts), Saul, Asensio and finally Lucas.

In other words, talent is there, but severe doubts re coach.

road forward is positive, Russia and then likely Croatia and then either Belgium or England. All of whom are beatable IF they play up to the talent level.

All this is the positive outlook, but as I said, entire country is extremely doubtful, based on current form.

The talent is there but it's ill-proportioned.

That's my problem and it's been the problem since 2014.