2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: Spain vs. Russia Odds

Oddsmakers see them as the underdogs against a Spain side that squeezed its way into the knockout stages.

Russia vs. Spain Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup Moneyline odds: Spain -172

Date: June 27, 10:00 AM ET

Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia

Russia became the eighth host team in the last nine World Cups to make it past the group stage. Six of the last eight host countries advanced to at least the quarterfinals with only South Africa (2014) and the United States (1994) failing to make it to the last eight.

The over (2.5 goals) is 5-1 in Spain and Russia’s combined games during the group stage. Spain keeper David de Gea is out of form and isn’t providing La Rojas with the services expected from a world-class keeper. He has seemed unsure of himself since the second goal conceded in the Portugal match.

Spain

The defensive spine was the reason many people were calling for Spain to hoist their second World Cup trophy, but Sergio Ramos, Gerald Pique and de Gea all had mental lapses in the group stage. La Rojas allowed five goals combined against Portugal and Morocco, and Iran had several good chances to score in their match against Spain.

Bettors don’t have to worry about any Spanish players sitting out this match because of disciplinary reasons. Spain are one of the teams with the fewest cards received at the tournament and only one of their first 11 players (Sergio Busquets) is even on a yellow card.

Russia

Denis Cheryshev leads Russia with three goals after the Golden Eagles first three matches, but he only got to crack the starting lineup after an injury to Alan Dzagoev. Manager Stanislav Cherchesov told the media earlier this week that Dzagoev might be able to return to the pitch for the first time since injuring his hamstring in the first 24 minutes of the World Cup tournament.

Dzagoev is a creative force in the middle of the park for the Golden Eagles and his playmaking skills could be a big boost to the hosts if he’s fit for Sunday’s match.

Spain vs. Russia Prediction

Spain 2, Russia 0

Russia were exposed in their match against Uruguay and Spain are sure to tidy up their mistakes at the back.