Nobody expected Spain to go out this early, but the Russians, specifically Igor Akinfeev, had other plans for Spain. Spain, one of the favourites to win the 2018 World Cup, is heading home early after a heartbreaking loss. The host nation Russia defeated La Roja on Sunday 4-2 on penalty kicks after finishing 1-1 after 120 minutes in the round of 16 of the tournament. Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero, saving penalty shots from Koke and Iago Aspas to pull off the shocker of the tournament and send the Iberians packing.
It was an own goal in the 12th minute from Sergei Ignashevich that was equalized late in the first half by Artem Dzyuba penalty kick. When the moment came, nerves taking hold of the Luzhniki Stadium, 144 million Russians and so many more across the globe looking upon him, Igor Akinfeev flew one way and the ball flew the other. But just as it appeared he might be beaten, somehow he, like his team, found a way to win. His left leg swung to kick Iago Aspas’s penalty clear and take the hosts through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, a 1-1 draw giving way to a 4-3 victory on penalties that sent white shirts flooding across the field while in the stands they erupted, celebrating the most improbable success, perhaps the most significant they have ever had.
Spain came close to winning this match but blew a huge chance to make a deep run into the tournament on what is considered the lighter side of the bracket. Chances like this one from Andres Iniesta were hard to come by, but Akinfeev was on the top of his game for much of the match.
Spain passed the ball 1107 times but could not pass Russia. Fernando Hierro, the accidental manager who had to take over the day before the World Cup began, talked about the “fine line” and Spain had been close towards the end. When it came to the penalty shootout, David de Gea got a touch on three of the four but could not save any. Yet when they look back on these three weeks in Russia, Spain will reflect that they fell short, and it all began without a coach and in crisis. That feels a long time ago now, but they have not been in Russia for long. Certainly not long enough.
