While not as star-studded as yesterday's affairs, today's knockout round brings some interesting differences in styles of play.
Spain vs Russia
The host nation, with thousands of fans screaming for them to move on, will face a team born of class, grace and ball movement. This is not the 2010 Spanish team that won the World Cup. It's also not the 2014 version that looked lost, and slow. While much is made of front starman Diego Costa, the beauty of Spain's attack are the midfielders like Iniesta and Isco. Russia's straightforward attack Johnny feels is going to get thrown into all kind of disarray as the Russians chase the ball most of the afternoon. Spain's real ace in the hole are their two central defenders, incredible rivals in league play, Barcelona's Gerard Pique and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos may well prove to be the best pairing of central defenders ever. Through all the European championships, and the World Cup title, the one thing that never changed was Pique and Ramos on guard.
To have effect Russia will have to play a clean game, no giving Spain free kicks in dangerous areas, no speculative balls that wind up in the fifth row, they'll have to play tight and clean and maybe get a little help on a call. Sorry Vlad, Spain's going on...
Spain 2
Russia 0
Croatia vs Denmark
Croatia has become a dark horse for a lot of World Cup watchers. Their incredible midfield is controlling matches and slowing down opponents. The 1-2 punch of of Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic and Real Madrid's Luka Modric (see these two teams keep coming up?) are field marshals. Denmark is going to have to do well on set pieces and defend like hell. Johnny doesn't see much in the way of Denmark's chances after watching Croatia.
If you're a Croatia fan do get to Hudson Hall this afternoon, Croat fans always overrun that place.
Croatia 2
Denmark 1
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