World Cup Russia Round of 16 Day 2 Spain vs Russia Preview
Hello Rankers!
To help you score better in RankingBall and win more, here's a strategy guide which can kick you off.
The tournament stage of the Russia World Cup is going on, with France and Uruguay advancing to the next round.
(Good bye Messi, Good bye Ronaldo)
In this guide, we will go over which players you can expect to put in your RankingBall bingo.
Spain preview
Spain manged to get the top seat from Group B, one of the three "Groups of Death". Spain's roster looks really powerful on paper, as the players are all drafted from Europe's biggest clubs. However, their performance was rather underwhelming, as they managed to come out on top with 1 win against Iran and drawing against Portugal and Morrocco, with high goals conceded. However, looking at how France and Argentina went all-out to make an interesting 4-3 match yesterday, it would be reasonable to bet on Spain's to go on offensively against Russia. However, Spain's defense is definitely not the best, as Spain has conceded 5 goals in the group stages. Furthermore, Russia has the height advantage here, with 181.5 vs 184.9, making it difficult for Spain to go aerial and play long balls.
More interestingly, Spain has not won a single match when they faced the hosts. Will this rule break this time?
Possible Starting XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack point - For a player who can both score goals and make assists, go for the former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta , the Real Madrid player Isco or the Man City playmaker David Silva. All three players have passing talents, and Iniesta and Isco have a goal/assist to their name.
Goal - Diego Costa. This Athletico Madrid hitman is one of the top contenders for the golden boot in this World Cup. Also, the fact that Costa is the lone striker in the Spanish 4-2-3-1 formation is just another reason to pick him.
Assist - This one is a tough choice, if you have to choose 1. Spain has many midfield passing talents in Isco, Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Bousquets. Another non-midfield option could be the full-backs Jordi Alba and Carvajal, who are respectively Real Madrid and Barcelona's side-backs.
Card/Foul - Spain is one of the fairest teams in terms of carding. If you REALLY want to put a Spaniard for this one, go for the tough Center-back Pique or the midfielder Sergio Bousquets. Sergio Ramos would also be a good bet for fouls, as Ramos has a reputation for playing tough and having temper issues.
Shot on - If there is one thing that put the Furia Rojo aside from others, it is their depth in midfield. Expect any other attacking forward that you have not assigned for goals/assists/attackpoints to fill up that part, or go for the 'easy bingo'.
Saves - David de Gea is definitely out of form this world cup. But he'll definitely save some goals. Who knows whether he will keep a clean sheet this match?
Russia Strategies
The bear has awaken from its hibernation. Although underestimated as one of the weakest sides in this World Cup, Russia pulled off two surprise victories against Saudi Arabia and egypt, winning 5-0 and 3-1 respectively. However, they have crumbled 3-0 when they faced Uruguay, one of the contenders of this World Cup. Will Russia be able to exploit Spain's weak defense and utilize their superior physiques? Or will they fall apart again when faced with a worthy opponent, just like how they did against Uruguay?
Although paling in name value when compared to Spain, there are two things the Russians have to their advantage. First, they are playing in their home ground, and Spain has never defeated the hosts in the World Cup. (Remember Spain losing to South Korea during 2002?) Also, a more tangible and realistic advantage lies in Russia's height. Russia's average height is around 3.4 cm taller than Spain's, and this is good news for Russia when it comes to playing long balls and counterattacking. However, will they be able to get any ball possession against Spain with all their midfield talent?
Possible Starting XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack Point - Denis Cheryshev has scored 3 goals so far and has an assist to his name. If he is not locked down, then he could start creating problems for Spain. The target man Artem Dzyuba is another choice in this matchup, as Russia would be making full use of Dzyuba's height(196 vs Ramos' 184 and Pique's 194). CSKA playmaker Aleksandr Golovin is another good bet, with two assists to his name.
Goal - Artem Dzyuba or Denis Cheryshev. Dzyuba is a behemoth that stands 196cm tall and weighs 96 kg. Expect his height and strength to be the key in breaking Spain's lines and win air balls. Especially with the trend of football shifting from short-passing tiki-taka to long balls, expect Dzyuba to spearhead the Russian offense. Another good choice would be Cheryshev, as Cheryshev is Russia's top scorer in this league.
Assist - The go-for choice would be Golovin. Golovin is Russia' main playmaker and assist leader with two assists to his name. Another option could be Dzyuba, as his height would be crucial in winning air balls.
Card/Foul - To be honest, I do not see much cards coming in Russia's way. All of Russia's three card holders are 1 card away from booking, and they would definitely not want to miss their next match should they prevail against Spain. In terms of fouls, expect Roman Zobnin and Yuri Gazhinsky to make their shares of fouls, as those two have commited at least 1 foul every match this tournament, and they'll have to foul more to stop Spain.
Shot on - Samedov is the go-to answer in this one, as you would be using Dzyuba, Golovin and Cheryshev for other parts of your bingos. If you wish to go for the 'easy bingo' then use any of the aforementioned three for the easy bingo.
Saves - Akinfeev does not blunder as much as he did last tournament. You can count on him to save Russia's goals from Spain.
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