World Cup

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Attendance: 78,011

World Cup | Round of 16

Jul 1, 2018 at 3pm UK

Spain
1-1
Russia

Ignashevich (12' og.)

FT
(aet)

Dzyuba (41' pen.)

Russia win 4-3 on penalties

Fernando Hierro: 'David de Gea will start against Russia'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 29 June 2018

Fernando Hierro confirms that he will stick with David de Gea in goal for Spain's showdown against Russia in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Spain boss Fernando Hierro has confirmed that David de Gea will start in goal for Sunday afternoon's World Cup last-16 tie against Russia.

The 27-year-old has seen his place in the side called into question following his performances so far in Russia, having conceded five times in three group-stage matches.

Hierro was reportedly contemplating bringing in Athletic Bilbao keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the showdown with tournament hosts Russia, but the caretaker manager has clarified that he does not intend to drop his number one.

"Yes, [De Gea] will play. I respect the opinions of everyone, but the one who makes the decisions is us. I have a lot of clear ideas for the match against Russia," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"We know how Russia plays, the leading strikers, the air balls that are very dangerous. These are their characteristics in general but they also play in their stadium and with their fans."

Veteran stopper Pepe Reina is also among Spain's goalkeeping contingent in Russia.