Russia is off to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1970 after topping 2010 winner Spain 4-3 on penalties Sunday in Moscow.
Koke and Iago Aspas missed from the spot for 2010 winner Spain, with the latter's effort thwarted by a brilliant save from Igor Akinfeev to fire Russia to the last-eight.
An additional half-hour of football was required after the last-16 clash remained locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes thanks to Sergei Ignashevich's own goal and a thumping penalty from Artem Dzyuba. Dzyuba's third goal of the tournament came after Gerard Pique was called for a handball on the towering Russian striker's headed attempt minutes before the interval. It was Russia's only shot on target in a one-sided affair that favoured Fernando Hierro's charges.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
La Furia Roja unsurprisingly dictated the tempo in extra time, surpassing the 1,000-pass mark during the first half of the 30-minute period. Spain was denied a penalty minutes from time when Gerard Pique appeared to be hauled down in the area. Match official Bjorn Kuipers signalled for VAR before denying the Spaniards a penalty.
Spain finished 120 minutes with 79 percent possession, with 24 shots to Russia's seven, including nine on target to the host's lone effort. Credit to Stan Cherchesov's resolute side for a resolute defensive performance, pairing 29 aerials won and 23 successful tackles in one of the most notable World Cup upsets.
The lowest-ranked side at the World Cup, Russia has reached the quarter-final stage for the first time since it did so 38 years ago under the Soviet Union banner.
