The World Cup has cast off the World Cup pretenders and now only the true contenders are left. Spain take on Russia on Saturday in the World Cup round of 16.
Spain may have topped Group B, but the team didn't look very convincing along the way. A 3-3 draw with Portugal was followed by a 1-0 win over Iran. Spain were on the verge of getting knocked out of the tournament in match three, but their come from behind 2-2 draw with Morocco ensured they did enough.
Russia shocked the football world in their opening two matches winning by an 8-1 scoreline. The Russians were brought back to reality against Uruguay who demolished the hapless hosts 3-0 in the final group game. Spain will offer Russia a test more in the vein of Uruguay than Egypt or Saudi Arabia. Coach Stanislav Cherchesov will need his team to play the match of their lives just to get past Spain.
Spain's dismissal of manager Julen Lupetegui just days before the tournament's start has hurt the squad. He had overhauled the national team making it a strong force similar to the way it was from 2008 to 2012. Fernando Hierro has done well in his short time in charge, but there has been something missing. Now, with the team desperately in need of winning to advance, he should be able to get it from his players.
Striker Diego Costa is having an excellent World Cup campaign. The Atletico Madrid front man has scored half (three) of Spain's goals (six). He has bullied defences and been the brightest spot in Spain's attack. The Spanish's weak leak has been their defence. The sure-handed David De Gea allowed a shot from Cristiano Ronaldo to sneak through his hands in game one. Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos have been unable to corral forwards. It has been unlike the duo. Spain gave up five goals in the group stage.
Hierro has spoken about making changes to the Spanish starting XI. He was unconvinced with his team against Morocco and changing the side may light a fire inside his players. Russia's Aleksandr Erokhin and Alan Dzagoev are recovering from injuries that limited their participation. Both could be back in the team's starting XI.
Russia have never beaten Spain in six attempts. The Spanish have won four and drawn two against their opponents. Although Spain stuttered against Morocco, they are better than Russia. The hosts had problems stopping Uruguay and the same will happen against the Spanish. Hierro will find a way to get his team firing and pick up the win to advance.