World Cup 2018, Spain vs Russia: 5 key battles that can decide the outcome of the game

The FIFA World Cup pre-quarters kicked off in scintillating fashion after France prevailed over Argentina with a 4-3 margin in a compelling encounter at the Kazan Arena. The second fixture from last night between Uruguay and Portugal resulted in a 2-1 win for Oscar Tabarez’s men and after more than 180 minutes of knockout football, it is safe to say that the tournament has well and truly lived up to the lofty expectations.

However, things don’t end there and all eyes will be on the hosts Russia, who will face Spain in their respective Round of 16 tie at the Luzhniki Stadium later today. La Furia Roja are strong favourites to progress but the hosts have defied the odds so far in this tournament and if recent performances are anything to go by, then we should be able to witness a fiercely contested and enticing encounter.

In this segment, we will be taking a closer look at the 5 key player battles that can possibly decide the outcome of this game. Without further delay, lets get straight to the point and analyse the battles within the war:

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#5 Diego Costa vs Sergey Ignashevich

Costa will be hungry for more goals!

Spain will be banking on Diego Costa to find the back of the net, like he so often does, as La Furia Roja prepare themselves for the knockout stages. The mercurial striker has been in sensational form for his country so far and has already grabbed 3 goals in as many games. The raging bull in Costa is expected to come right at the veteran in Sergey Ignashevich during this pre-quarter encounter and this will prove to be an intriguing battle.

Costa is someone who can play on any defender’s mind and it will be interesting to see how the 38-year-old Ignashevich, who came out of retirement to play in this tournament, tackles this complicated obstacle.

#4 Artem Dzyuba vs Sergio Ramos

Dzyuba is expected to lead Russia's attack against Spain

Russia’s 6ft 5inch striker is undoubtedly a threat in the air and he will face one of the world’s best defenders in the form of Sergio Ramos at the heart of Fernando Hierro’s side. After starting the tournament in emphatic fashion, when Artem Dzyuba scored twice in the first two games, Russia’s goals dried up against a resolute Uruguay defence and the hosts cracked under their first real test.

However, the fact that Ramos and his compatriots in defence haven’t been at their usual best could inspire the Russians to try and exploit the situation on home soil, in a World Cup that has been anything but predictable. Spain are expected have the lion’s share of possession and Russia will need to utilize their set-pieces very well and that is exactly where this battle could be won or lost.

#3 Andres Iniesta vs Roman Zobnin

Iniesta is far from finished and is still an influential figure

This battle in midfield could be an enticing one considering the abilities showcased by both players during the group stages. Despite almost reaching the twilight of his career, Andres Iniesta rolled back the years with resounding performances for his side so far and announced to the whole world that he still has a lot to offer to this outfit. The midfielder is still an influential figure in the middle of the park for his team and Spain will certainly rely on his abilities to dictate play effortlessly.

Roman Zobnin, on the other hand, has added a lot of steel to Russia’s midfield options and his tenacious nature coupled with a desire to play for the shirt only means that he is an indispensable part of this outfit. The Spartak Moscow midfielder has been a revelation since the start of this tournament and he will be key to Russia’s hopes of trying to win the ball back from Spain, who thrive on a game based on possession and establish some authority in midfield.

#2 Aleksandr Golovin vs Sergio Busquets

Golovin has been a revelation in midfield

Russia’s poster boy for the World Cup, Aleksandr Golovin exploded into the international stage with a scintillating performance in the inaugural game of the tournament against Saudi Arabia. The CSKA Moscow midfield certainly looked the part in the win against Egypt as well but having already secured qualification to the pre-quarters, Stanislav Cherchesov decide to rest him ahead of their loss to Uruguay.

However, the midfielder is expected to be one of the first names on the team sheet for the hosts as they prepare to battle it out with Spain to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Golovin is expected to operate centrally, like he so often does, and will probably lock-horns with Sergio Busquets in his bid to try and create something for his side.

Busquets, who is considered as one of the very best players in his position, is an expert in breaking down play and winning the ball back from his opponents. This will prove to be an intriguing battle as both players are key to their team’s chances of progressing to the last eight of the competition.

Golovin has reportedly sparked interest from a number of Premier League clubs including the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea to name a few and it is safe to say that all eyes will be on the youngster as he prepares for his biggest test yet.

#1 Isco vs Mario Fernandes

Isco has been a delight to watch in this tournament

Isco has quickly emerged as a serious contender for the Golden Ball award with some dazzling performances under his belt and the next hurdle en route to ultimate glory in national team colours arises in the form of Russia. The Real Madrid midfielder reached the pinnacle in club football after he became a part of the Los Blancos’ 3rd consecutive Champions League title and he undoubtedly boasts of talent that can turn the outcome of any game on its own.

The 26-year-old is Spain’s creator-in-chief and has looked very dangerous down the left flank, where he is deployed to try and provide some much-needed width to La Furia Roja. Isco is expected to lock horns with Russia’s Brazilian born right-back Mario Fernandes, who has been tidy in his two appearances so far in the tournament. Fernandes was rested for the game against Uruguay and Russia faced the consequences as his replacement, Igor Smolnikov, was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.

The duo will contest a fiery battle on the wide areas and although Isco’s wealth of experience at the highest of levels and abundance in talent slightly edges it in favour of him, the outcome is far from predictable especially after what we have seen so far in this tournament.