Spain met Russia in the third round-of-16 match today.
Russia pulled out a miraculous win against Spain as the host nation defeated Spain 4-3 on penalties, after the match was drawn 1-1 at full time + thirty minutes.
Spain, who were one of favourites to lift the trophy going into the tournament, were stunned by Russia, who pulled out a defensive masterclass. Spain could hardly create chances with their tiki-taka play, as Russia’s defensive line kept the spaces tight.
Spain scored early in the game through an own-goal by set-piece. However, Russia soon equalised when Gerard Pique’s handball resulted in a penalty.
Spain dominated possession, as was expected from them, but couldn’t capitalise on it as Russia’s defensive performance was well complemented by their goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
In the penalty shootout, Akinfeev made two brilliant saves, while Russia scored on all the four shots, as they edged past the European heavyweights 4-3.
With this win, Russia have reached the quarterfinal of the World Cup, and will now meet the winners of match between Croatia and Denmark, which will be played later tonight.
Here are some tweets from the match:
Unbelievable.
I don’t know the stats but despite De Gea being the best GK in the world (IMO), is he as good as Pepe Reina at saving pens? Has Hierro made a mistake not saving a sub to bring Reina on for the shootout?— michael owen (@themichaelowen) July 1, 2018
Didn’t know Pique is a volleyball player. #ESPRUS pic.twitter.com/EmDXhaqCzs
— Kyama (@Elijahkyama) July 1, 2018
Didn’t know Pique is a volleyball player. #ESPRUS pic.twitter.com/EmDXhaqCzs
— Kyama (@Elijahkyama) July 1, 2018
David De Gea has faced more penalties with Ramos and Pique than he has with Jones and Smalling.
I can’t believe the chuckle bothers legacy has been outdone!
— The United Link 🏆 (@TheUnitedLink) July 1, 2018
How many more mistakes by Spain defenders? And De Gea gets the blame for that one error.
— ESWCN (@SemperFiUtd) July 1, 2018
You can transfer the money to Piqué ‘s bank account pic.twitter.com/7i9LkyMDbe
— Rocio Chesta (@Rociwi) July 1, 2018
Now we know where did Gerard Pique get his inspiration from. His own wife Shakira.#ESPRUS #WorldCup #RUS #ESP pic.twitter.com/ZePUb7dcGh
— Jagrati Shukla (@JagratiShukla29) July 1, 2018
live footage of Spanish v Russia right now #ESPRUS #RUSESP pic.twitter.com/DygYlgxUJ0
— Troll Padawan (@Ringotsunho) July 1, 2018
In back of Russia’s minds right now: if they escaped penalties for invading Ukraine, they can surely do same in a football game against Spain
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 1, 2018
Russia’s performances at the World Cup 💉💉😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ZXeHFoEbKD
— FutbolBible |WorldCup (@FutbolBible) July 1, 2018
And so we enter the seventh year of Spain vs Russia
— Tom Phillips (@flashboy) July 1, 2018
Spain vs Russia World Cup 2018 !!#Legends #Puyol # RobertoCarlos pic.twitter.com/5lXAMX8vzb
— Luis Garcia (@LuchoGarcia14) July 1, 2018
#ESPRUS
Summary of first 90 minutes – Spanish players did all the passing; Russian players did all the scoring.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) July 1, 2018
The GIF that sums up #ESPRUS perfectly. pic.twitter.com/bPCofB2LUF
— James Maasdorp 🍕 (@MaasdorpJR) July 1, 2018
When the game is so boring, they’re cutting to people eating… #ESPRUS pic.twitter.com/RYnG6h2fue
— Top 4ce (@Top4ce) July 1, 2018
The VAR room for that penalty decision pic.twitter.com/wI6iXhVpfx
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) July 1, 2018
Russia have pulled an iron curtain across their penalty area.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 1, 2018
