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'We will not play against 11 men, but thousands of fans': Spain's Rodrigo on Russia clash
Spain winger Rodrigo has said he expects not to play against 11 men when his side take on Russia on Sunday in the World Cup last 16, but against thousands of rapturous fans at Luzhniki Stadium.
Speaking at a press conference before the game, Valencia Rodrigo said: "For us the most important thing is to play against Russia right."
He added: "We will not play against eleven players of Russian national team, but against thousands spectators on the stadium."
Spain go into their knockout game having qualified from first place in Group B despite having won just one of their matches against Iran, recording a draw against Portugal and Morocco.
Nevertheless, the Spaniards advanced from top spot by virtue of goal difference courtesy of a last minute penalty decision for Iran against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
Russia lost their final group game versus Uruguay 3-0 at Cosmos Arena in Samara, despite scoring eight goals in their first two games, including 5 in the opener against Saudi Arabia.