Iniesta, Cheryshev omitted as Spain take on Russia

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta drops to the bench for Sunday's last 16 clash against host nation Russia in Moscow with Koke replacing him as one of three changes for the 2010 champions.

Nacho returns for Dani Carvajal at right-back and Marco Asensio is selected ahead of Thiago Alcantara as Spain attempt to end a dreadful record against host nations at major tournaments.

They have never won in eight previous attempts, losing seven of those meetings while drawing once.

Denis Cheryshev, Russia's leading scorer in the competition with three goals, is left out by Stanislav Cherchesov, who makes four changes to the team beaten 3-0 by Uruguay.

Aleksandr Golovin returns to the side and is expected to take up a role behind towering striker Artem Dzyuba in a conservative 5-3-2 formation.

Russia

Igor Akinfeev (capt), Mario Fernandes, Ilya Kutepov, Sergei Ignashevich, Yury Zhirkov, Roman Zobnin, Daler Kuziaev, Fedor Kudriashov, Ale ..

Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov (RUS)

Spain

David De Gea, Nacho, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos (capt), Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Koke, Isco, Marco Asensio, David Silva, Diego Costa

Coach: Fernando Hierro (ESP)

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)

Source: AFP