Spain vs Russia ( 5PM)
Fernando Hierro has a plan to combat Russia’s threat and end Spain’s miserable record against host nations at major tournaments.
Hierro, who took over from Julen Lopetegui the day before the World Cup got underway, watched as his side limped through Group B after winning just one of their three games, and that solitary success was a scratchy 1-0 defeat of Iran.
But he is confident of an improvement against Russiato give Spain its first win against either a World Cup or European Championship host at the ninth attempt.
Croatia vs Denmark ( 9 PM)
Luka Modric admits he faces a “world-class” adversary in Christian Eriksenon Sunday but says it is time for Croatia’s so-called ‘golden generation’ to prove its quality.
Zlatko Dalic’s side return to Nizhny Novgorod, the scene of its 3-0 group-stage win over Argentina, for a World Cup last-16 clash against a Denmark team which is unbeaten in 18 official matches.
The match has been billed as a one-on-one battle between Modric and Eriksen, the star midfielders of their respective sides who have each impressed in Russia.