Spain vs Russia Review

Spain 1-1 Russia (Russia win 4-3 on penalties) 

Hosts Russia pulled off the biggest shock of the 2018 World Cup thus far beating 2010 winners Spain in the first penalty shootout of the tournament to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 48 years. 

In a very cagey affair, where Russia set up a defensive blockade that Spain found hard to break down, an own goal by the hosts gave Spain an early lead. Artem Dzuba converted a penalty just before half time, given for a Gerard Pique own goal levelled the match .

The second half was tiresome and didn't offer much entertainment. Spain had two penalty appeals on Ramos and Pique waved away by the referee, and his call was confirmed by the VAR. 

Extra time was just as dull, and a exhausted Russia side parked the bus and played for penalties. Their game plan was followed to a tee and the hosts received their penalty wish. 

Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was the hosts penalty hero, by denying Koke and then Iago Aspas to spark scenes of wild celebration at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

His opposite number, David de Gea, got a hand to the first spot-kick he faced but was unable to keep out the spot kick from Fedor Smolov. De Gea came close to all the Russian penalties, brushing Cheryshev's penalty with his foot,  but for all his efforts it didn't make any difference as the Russians converted all of their penalties in clinical fashion.

Stanislav Cherchesov's side, who at position 70 the lowest ranked team in the competition and 60 places below Spain, now have to face Croatia in the last eight in Sochi on Saturday.

Man of the Match - Igor Akinfeev

Andres Iniesta, who has recently departed Barcelona also confirmed his retirement from the Spanish national team following the defeat