Despite De Gea being on the Spanish team I wouldn't mind seeing Russia win this.
Day 18: Russia-Spain, Croatia-Denmark
- Thread starter FootballHQ
- Start date
More torture 
Receive the ball, kill the ball, look around, make 3 steps forward, kill the ball, look around, pass it slowly backward. That's how.
Has any player had a less impressive 10 minute cameo than Smolov in this one? Every single touch/pass/shot was garbage, and ruined several moves.
Ramos wanted to take a pic there 
Some how Spain are as boring to watch as we are. This is why I never understand the fetishization of possession football.
When was the last time Asensio did something in this game? I'm going over the 2nd half in my head and I don't remember him playing
Here we go. Another 600 passes from Spain incoming.
Good they allow an extra sub for ET.
Oh damn they get an extra sub?
Can't imagine anyone who hasn't got both parents from Spain, rooting for this painfully boring Spanish side.
Go Russia! Русские Вперед!
If Spain didn't have Costa they would've been already out imo. The only thing separating Spain from Germany is a top striker otherwise both teams are very similarly boring. Only time they've looked a threat is when they've played to Costa's strengths.
Go on Russia. I’ve fallen in love with this Russian side. They had minus expectations coming into the tournament.
Every style has its great and horrible side. Possession football with cutting edge passing, long range shooting to draw defense can be great on the eyes
Spain has to be the most boring football team with their tiki taka side to side football.Makes me sleepy.
Just got back in and missed 99% of the second half. Reading this thread suggests that's a blessing.I just can't tell how hard it would be for any semi-decent team to play this way too. You can't tell me that if England entirely forewent the choice 'play it forwards' the back 8 players couldn't pass it sideways and between themselves for 20 minutes at a time.
For me it's cowardice. Football should be about trying something, not boring teams into submission.
Shit-show of a game but I don’t blame Russia for this at all, they’ve got far worse players than Spain and the onus shouldn’t be on them to make this entertaining given they’re barely getting on the ball.
If they had a better counterattacking threat up front this would be perfect tactics from them as an underdog side against technical possession based opposition.
If they had a better counterattacking threat up front this would be perfect tactics from them as an underdog side against technical possession based opposition.
I have fallen in love with many Russian women so I am for Russia too
I hope Spain are dumped out. A truly mind-numbing team to watch.
William Carvalho would still lose a race against that bald ruski
Yeah when there is actual penetration and purpose with the possession it's fine to watch but more often then not it just seems aimless and more to stop the other team from having the ball than anything else.
I want Russia to win, but wouldn't complain if Spain score first. The game needs a change of dynamic.
How are we in this situation with a 1-0 after 10 minutes 
500 passes, 1 shot, 0 goals.
I’d ideally like Spain to win this as I’ve got them down to win in my predictor at work, then I’ve got them down to get knocked out by Croatia in the quarter finals.
Russia are starting to look shattered though. On paper it’s only a matter of time before Spain get an attack right and Russia mess up
Russia are starting to look shattered though. On paper it’s only a matter of time before Spain get an attack right and Russia mess up
Russia are absolutely shot. This is only ending one way.
3-1 FT to Spain I reckon.
3-1 FT to Spain I reckon.
This is so clearly a penalty shootout
haha, I see that there will be a competition to start the thread "let´s laugh at Spain"
We were spoilt yesterday, always thought this would be a bit of a grind but imagined Spain would get job done in 90 minutes.
Croatia really need to keep things together mentally as they have a great chance of reaching the final.
Croatia really need to keep things together mentally as they have a great chance of reaching the final.
Spain have been very lethargic, plenty of nice passing but lack any incision.
Soain is the most boring side I have seen at this world cup. Should really go out for subjecting the football world to this .
this is the most valid reason to support them. The men are not as pretty. They might be the ugliest team in the tournament.For that to happen, Spain have to shoot twice. Highly doubt it.
If our 4th sub is Lucas for Asensio I'm rooting for Russia
Yeah, every one keeps on saying he is amazing but I just don't see it. He had a sweet left footed strike on him but that's about it from what I've seen of him.
I am with you bro. Spain are shit but Russia are dead. Horrible combo for a game
Would love to see km running stats - Russia working hard in defence.
I saw a few in Portugal but the Ukrainian's hot as hell.