Russian Federation beat Spain on penalties to reach World Cup quarters

Hosts Russia must rebound quickly for Sunday’s World Cup last 16 clash with Spain, the 2010 champions who have slipped under the radar after a tumultuous start to the tournament. And then in the 11th minute, right-back Nacho was fouled just outside the Russian box, giving Marco Asensio no excuse whatsoever but to deliver a ball into the box.

As was the case from roughly half-time-ish onwards, penalties were inevitable and, after Koke had missed earlier in the shootout, a flailing foot from Akinfeev was enough to deny Iago Aspas and send Russian Federation through to the quarters…

Spain had 25 shots, nine of which were on frame, but Akinfeev saved them all, only conceded on an unfortunate own goal. Russian Federation seemed overwhelmed by the occasion for the first time this tournament, in this their first knock-out stage match at a World Cup since Mexico 1986.

It was the classic “tiki-taka” style that led to a World Cup title in 2010, bookended by a pair of European Championships.

It was too passive a performance by the Spanish, who were ranked 10th and one of the pre-tournament favorites.

The penalty shootout began with Spain winning the toss and skipper Sergio Ramos opting to shoot first.

“The end of a generation”, said the cover of newspaper AS. Turmoil erupted two days before the opening game, when the federation fired the head coach.

It is unclear if interim coach Fernando Hierro will continue in a job he did not seek before Julen Lopetegui was sent home.

Andres Iniesta confirmed his global retirement immediately after the game and Gerard Pique is set to join him. His shot from a tight angle forces Akinfeev into a save! His second effort was one of just three of Croatia’s six spot-kicks on the night to beat Kasper Schmeichel as the Dane’s heroics couldn’t prevent a 3-2 shootout defeat thanks to three stunning saves from Danijel Subasic.

Veteran Russia centerback Sergei Ignashevich gifted Spain the opening goal on 12 minutes in Moscow when he unwittingly turned into his own net after grappling with Sergio Ramos.

Yuri Zhirkov – 4 – A sluggish challenge on Nacho led to the opening goal for Spain, and the former Chelsea full-bak exhausted as the match went on before coming off at half-time.

True enough, Gerard Pique was the latest to experience a brain fade when he inexplicably raised his left arm to block Artem Dzyuba’s 38th-minute header from Alexander Samedov’s corner. “We’ve got to cut down on the defensive mistakes”, said Carvajal. “We’ve given everyone a party and we believed in ourselves to the end”.

King Felipe VI of Spain was at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Asensio, who made two brief substitute appearances in the group stage, whipped in dangerously to the far post where the ball looped in off an unsighted Ignashevich as he tussled with Ramos.

With Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev watching from the stands, Russia’s qualification triggered a wave of enthusiasm for the host nation as thousands celebrated in the capital’s iconic Red Square and beyond.