What a shock Spain as being eliminated by the host nation

Spain

Hosts Russia advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals on penalties after a 1-1 draw on a dramatic afternoon in Moscow.

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, denying Koke and then diverting Iago Aspas's effort away with his foot in a dramatic shootout.

Spain, who parted ways with coach Julen Lopetegui just days before the tournament, joined England and Italy as the only teams to lose three shootouts at the World Cup, having been knocked out by hosts South Korea in 2002 and Belgium in 1986, both in the quarterfinals.

Hosts Russia had pressed Spain in the opening stages, Aleksandr Golovin getting away down the right to win an early corner that came to nothing.

Early flickers from Spain came through Isco's measured passing, but when their opening goal arrived after 11 minutes it came from a set piece.

Yuri Zhirkov gave away a free kick when he fouled Nacho on the right and, when Aesnsio curled the cross in, Ignashevish tangled with Sergio Ramos at the far post and the ball flew in off the defender.

From corner kick, Russia won a penalty when Dzubya leapt to win the ball and it hit Pique's raised hand -- and after a moment's hesitation, the referee pointed to the spot and booked the defender.

Dzubya stepped up to blast nervelessly past David De Gea and level the match after 41 minutes

Aspas carved out an early chance in extra time with a run and cross from the left, but Carvajal was unable to turn it in and then Isco's low centre created another, Ignashevich clearing.

With four minutes of the second period of extra time played, Rodrigo ran at the Russia defence but Akinfeev saved his shot, with Carvajal's follow-up blocked.

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 and at the other end Sergio Busquets dawdled but, after Smolov had taken possession, his pass was woeful.

Akinfeev dived to save a Rodrigo shot in the one added minute at the end of extra time to huge cheers from the crowd as the game went to penalties.

Spain took the first, Iniesta scoring, before Smolov followed his example -- despite De Gea getting a faint touch -- and then Pique scored via the inside of the post and Ignashevish sent De Gea the wrong way.

Koke's penalty was saved by Akinfeev and Golovin 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.
 

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