Pain for Spain as Russia go through to Quarter Finals of FIFA World Cup 2018.
Russia cause huge shock against sluggish Spain.
Igor Akinfeev saves two spot-kicks as hosts reach quarter-finals as the match ended as Spain 1-1 Russia (3-4 on penalties).
Spain were eliminated on penalties by hosts Russia from the World Cup on Sunday.
The 2010 World Champions took an early lead in Moscow thanks to a Sergei Ignashevich own goal after wrestling with Sergio Ramos.
But the Russians levelled things up through a Dzyuba penalty in the 41st minute after Gerard Pique was punished for handball.
Here’s how the late penalty drama rolled on:
1-0: Iniesta – Scored
1-1: Smolov – Scored
2-1: Piqué – Scored
2-2: Ignashevich – Scored
2-2: Koke – Missed
2-3: Golovin – Scored
3-3: Ramos – Scored
3-4: Cheryshev – Scored
3-4: Aspas – Missed
Spain lacked Plan B and they had to pay the ultimate prize.
Real Madrid superstar Isco was the only player on the pitch who was looking to penetrate through stubborn Russian defence.
But his teammates were more interested in passing backwards and sideways.
Spain completed 1006 passes in this match, only 21 fewer than Russia have completed in their four World Cup matches (1027).
Just shows how ordinary Spain were and deserved to face the defeat and that’s just how the it works.
On a good note for the host nation will play either Croatia or Denmark and it will be decided in Sochi in no time.
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