1st July, 2018
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Host Russia have sent Spain crashing out of the 2018 World Cup after winning a penalty shoot-out on Sunday.
Against all expectations, Russia held Spain to a 1-1 draw on 120 minutes before penalty kicks decided the fate of Spain, as the European giant lost 4-3 to send Russia to the quarter-final of the World Cup.
Igor Akinfeev saved two spot-kicks as hosts Russia emerged hero in the encounter.
Koke and Aspas missed Spain penalties to send the host crowd into raptures. Ignashevich directed Asensio free-kick into his own net.
It was a devilishly brilliant delivery from the free-kick by Marco Asensio, arcing inwards towards the back post.
Sergio Ramos was there, but wrestled to the ground by Sergei Ignashevich. As the Russian actioned the rugby tackle, the ball hit his ankle and went in.
Pique’s handball on 41 minutes allowed Artem Dzyuba to equalise with penalty. Dzyuba slotted it into the bottom right corner and Russia are level.
Russia will now face the winner of Croatia and Denmark match in the quarter-final.