Host Russia Knocks Spain Out Of World Cup In Penalty Shootout

Spain has been eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after losing 4-3 on penalties to Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

Koke and Iago Aspas both missed from the spot after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Igor Akinfeev saved both spot kicks to send the home crowd into raptures.

Spain had taken the lead when Marco Asensio’s curling free-kick into the six-yard area hit the ankle of Sergei Ignashevich, before flying into the net.

Fernando Hierro’s side dominated possession but were unable to make it count and were punished when Russia were awarded a penalty.

Gerard Pique handled Artem Dzyuba’s header and the Zenit St Petersburg forward sent David de Gea the wrong way for his third goal of the tournament.

Russia are into the quarterfinals. They had never before been involved in a shootout in a major tournament. The host nation are now two victories from the final.

This could be Andres Iniesta’s last game for Spain, after the former Barcelona man left the Spanish Champions at the end of last season, after 23 years with the club.

Spain became the latest big-name casualty to exit the tournament after Germany, Argentina and Portugal.