FIFA World Cup 2018: Review of the Round of 16 and an insight into the Quarterfinals

R16 #3: Spain vs. Russia

Spain saw 75% of the possession and passed the ball a massive 1137 times but keeping to their style of play they did most of that around the midfield. Though, Russian high pressure defending also contributed to the above fact. Spain's only goal came from Russian defender Ignashevich's foot which was neutralised by Dzyuba's strike from the spot which came as a result of a handball from Pique. In the penalties, Russia did not have to take the fifth kick as they scored in all four attempts and Igor Akinfeev heroically saved two of Spain's to win 4-3 on penalties.

R16 #4: Croatia vs. Denmark

Denmark scored the fastest goal of the tournament to go ahead in the 57th second. Within minutes though, Croatia caught up with them courtesy a strike from Mandzukic. Notwithstanding the frequency of the goals in the first four minutes of the game, the goals were not really of a convincing nature. The teams cancelled out each other throughout the match with Denmark seeming to be the more convincing among the two. When Luka Modric could not convert from the spot in extra time courtesy a fantastic save, it seemed Denmark were back from the dead. But the penalty shootout turned out to be the story of two heroic goalkeepers- Danijel Subasic for Croatia and Kasper Schmeichel for Denmark. Subasic made it into the record books with three saves while Schmeichel ended up with two saves and Croatia moved into the quarters

QF #4: Russia vs. Croatia

Luka Modric during a training session

Russia will have to do more than park the bus in their match-up against Croatia. They will have to show more composure in their attack and not just kick the ball aimlessly into their opponents half just to defend again - which they did so many times against Spain. However, that does not mean they can rest at the back. They will have to see to the threat of Modric passing sly balls to Rebic piercing their defence. Croatia will have to improve their attack slightly from their Denmark game and keep doing what they have been throughout the tournament. However, Russia will enjoy a huge support from the home crowd.