Hosts Russia beat Spain on penalties to reach W’Cup last 8

Russia sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to beat Spain on penalties in their round of 16 clash in Moscow on Sunday.

An own goal early in the game as Sergei Ignashevich directs Asensio free-kick into his own net put Spain ahead, but a penalty in the 41st minute by Artem Dzyuba brought Russia back into the game.

Both teams stuggled all through the second half and into extra time, as Spain dominated but could not find a goal.

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The hosts triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out as goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved Iago Aspas’s spot-kick with his left foot to secure his country a spot in the last 8 of the competition.

Spain, 2010 champions, were in total dominance throughout the game. So much so that at some point in the second half, ball possession was on 75-25 in their favour.

But Russia held on, and stunned the European giants on penalties as their goalkeeper save two spotkicks to make the headlines.

Russia will face the winners of the tie between Croatia and Denmark, who play later on Sunday.

 

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