Dzyuba: 'We can beat Spain'

Artem Dzyuba has compared Sunday's World Cup last-16 tie against Spain to a world title fight with Russia cast as the daring underdog.

Burly striker Dzyuba has been a key player for Stanislav Cherchesov's hosts in their run to the knockout phase with a goal in each of their first two games, against Egypt and Saudi Arabia. A 3-0 thumping by Uruguay in their final Group A fixture dampened the growing enthusiasm, however, and Dzyuba accepts a clash with a star-studded Spain squad in Moscow is another tough task.

He said: "For the first time in 32 years we've qualified for the knockout stage. Let's see what more can we do. It's going to be like a world title boxing fight. An experienced fighter against a young and daring one. Let's see who's better.

"Any team can beat anyone on a good day."

Dzyuba will be pitted against veteran Spain defenders Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos but it's a challenge that excites him, adding: "Only when you compete with the best do you know how good you are.

"I'm excited to play against Ramos and Pique. This is once in a lifetime opportunity. We'll see who wins this battle."

Dzyuba was also quick to play down Spain's struggles in the group phase.

"I don't think Spain are vulnerable, they are a top team. Mistakes at the group stage don't count," he said.

"We understand what to do against Spain, but, of course, they're clear favourites. We know it's going to be hard. Uruguay taught us a good lesson."

Russia were last at the Luzhniki was for the tournament's opening fixture, when a wave of emotion saw them put five past Saudi Arabia, and Spain midfielder Marco Asensio accepts it will be another white-hot atmosphere in the capital. However, he has backed coach Fernando Hierro to find the right words of encouragement.

The Real Madrid man said: "Russia will play with their fans behind them. We have to face this match like a final. We either win or go home.

"Our coach Hierro is a natural leader and you can notice it. He's always trying to motivate us."

Russia trained with a full squad on Friday, including Alan Dzagoev who has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury just 24 minutes into the Saudi Arabia game.