Spain vs Russia: 5 things we learned
When the round of 16 tie between Spain and Russia was announced, many expected it to be largely one-way traffic. After all, Russia has never gotten to the round of 16, whilst Spain won it in 2010, and despite failing to get out of their group in 2014, La Furia Roja are still among the favorites to go far in this competition.
Furthermore, although Russia cruised to a comfortable win over Saudi Arabia in their opening game, and Spain had to settle for a draw with Portugal, the European powerhouse was expected to stroll past the tournament hosts. Russia may have beaten Saudi Arabia and an Egypt side with an out-of-form Mohamed Salah, but when pitted against Uruguay, they came up short. Spain, meanwhile, got through their group despite being less than impressive, so this was one match-up, everyone – with the exception of the most devoted Russia fan – figured would be decided pretty quickly.
Well, we were all wrong. Just as this World Cup has truly been one of the big surprises, the match featuring Spain and Russia certainly falls into that category. Here are five talking points from Spain versus Russia.
1. A knee-jerk decision comes to roost
Prior to the World Cup, Spain made waves even without kicking a ball. Julen Lopetegui was fired for accepting the Real Madrid job just before the World Cup commenced, leading the country’s football association to abruptly sack him and hire Fernando Hierro. If this decision had paid off, then the Spanish football hierarchy would be able to save face, but it didn’t. Lopetegui, the man who had led Spain through qualifying undefeated – including beating Italy 3-0 – and under whom La Furia Roja had not lost a game (including a 6-1 thrashing of Argentina in a friendly) was fired just because Spain’s football top boss was offended with a personal decision made by his employee.
And that thin-skinned approach has come to roost. Yes, Spain’s performance is ultimately down to the players, but no one can dispute that having a managerial change 48 hours before a tournament starts won’t have a negative impact on the squad. And as they begin their soul-searching, this knee-jerk decision should definitely be on the list of things to analyze.
2. No pressure, no problem for Russia
Russia knew they were fortunate just to get to this stage, and their fans were happy enough that the team didn’t crash out in the group stage. Against Uruguay, they were well out of their depth, and they knew it. So, when it came to taking on Spain, the approach was probably just to do the best they can, put on a good show for their fans, and go out with their heads held up high.
To achieve that, they knew they would have to defend – and defend like they’ve never done before. Russia did just that – and more. Against all odds, they’re into the quarter-finals for the first time as an independent nation, and with Croatia or Denmark coming up, they certainly won’t be afraid. After all, they’ve beaten a top ten side, meaning that either the Vatreni or the Danish Dynamite won’t be a bridge too far. Prior to the start of this tournament, they hadn’t won a game in over a year. Now in the span of a few weeks, they’ve won three and could even be into the final four if things go their way in the next round.
3. Possession means nothing without conversion
Spain had over 70% of the ball in this contest, which isn’t surprising. However, what’s shocking is the fact that they failed to test Russia’s goalkeeper. Much of the time was spent passing the ball from side to side without any purpose, and Diego Costa, who started off this tournament brightly, was highly inefficient as Isco and David Silva was unable to get him involved to cause any problems for Russia’s back-line. This lack of incision played right into Russia’s hands, who eventually were happy to sit back and let their opponents have the ball.
That’s not to say that their famous tiki-taka approach doesn’t work, but it’s only effective when it achieves the end result: a goal. And that was sorely lacking as Spain desperately searched for a way back into a game that they should have easily won in the first place.
4. Smaller sides prevail once again
It’s been the tournament of the underdogs, that’s for certain. Croatia beating Argentina. Mexico dispatching Germany. An already-beaten South Korea sending die Mannschaft packing. And finally, Russia defeating Spain – which is arguably among the top five upsets in World Cup history. With Portugal, Argentina, Germany, and now Spain out, the big sides are falling by the wayside, and the less-fancied teams are now reaping the benefits.
Could this be a tournament that sees a shock winner? Well, as things stand, it’s certainly possible, especially as four heavyweights are now out of the competition, and from a neutral perspective, that’s a great thing.
5. An unprecedented result…thanks to a rules change
No, we’re not just talking about the shock win for hosts Russia over 2010 World Cup champions Spain. This was the first time fans got to see teams use a fourth substitution after the rules were changed to allow it during extra time. It proved to be highly helpful for hosts Russia as they were struggling before being able to make a vital switch in midfield, bringing on Aleksandr Erokhin for Daler Kuzyaev as they aimed to lock things down defensively.
It paid off as Spain were stifled even further and thus got Russia just where they needed to be: penalties. And as we all know, spot-kicks are truly everyone’s game, which Russia ultimately played – and won.
