Hosts Russia advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2018 quarter-finals on penalties (4-3) after a 1-1 draw against Spain on a dramatic afternoon in Moscow.
Igor Akinfeev’s stunning two saves ensured a dramatic win for the hosts Russia.
Sergei Ignashevish’s own goal gave Spain an early lead before Artem Dzyuba levelled.
But neither side could find another breakthrough in extra time, and Igor Akinfeev was Russia’s hero. He denied Koke and then diverted Iago Aspas’s effort away with his foot in a dramatic shootout.
Early flickers from Spain came through Isco’s measured passing out at the World Cup. But when their opening goal arrived after 11 minutes, it came from a set piece.
When Asensio curled the cross in, Ignashevish tangled with Sergio Ramos at the far post, and the ball flew in off the defender.
Just before the halftime, Gerard Pique conceded a penalty after a silly handball. Dzubya stepped up to blast nervelessly past David De Gea, and level the match after 41 minutes.
Russia made another change soon after the hour. They took off Samedov and bought on Denis Cheryshev, while, Andres Iniesta came on for Silva and Nacho was replaced by Dani Carvajal for Spain. But goals didn’t come for any of the teams.
With five minutes to go, they were agonisingly close to a winner as Iniesta latched on to a clever touch from Aspas. But his low strike from the edge of the area hit the post.
The extra time of both the halves was slow and steady but until the 116th minute. Spain appealed loudly for a penalty when Pique appeared to be held from a deep Koke free kick.
But after a VAR check, the referee signalled for play to continue. The extra time ended and the first tie-breaker of the 2018 World Cup took place.
Akinfeev and Golovin saved Koke’s penalty stepped up to smash home and give the hosts the advantage. But Ramos kept Spain in it before Cheryshev put the hosts on the brink of victory.
And then, Akinfeev saved Aspas’ effort with his foot to send them through.
FT: Russia 1-1 Spain
Ignash evich 12′ (OG) | Dzyuba 41′ (P)
Russia won 4-3 on penalties.