Russia have eliminated Spain from the World Cup in a 4-3 penalty shootout, the hosts winning their last‑16 tie after the sides were locked 1-1 after extra time at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Russia's captain and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved spot-kicks from Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion and Iago Aspas, while all four Russian shooters scored before thousands of screaming home fans. In the penalty shootout, Koke and Lago Aspas missed their attempts for Spain while the Russians converted their first four spot kicks. The World Cup's lowest-ranked team — 70th when the tournament began — now advances to a quarterfinal against Croatia or Denmark in Sochi on Saturday. “I am so sorry for Kasper and the whole team,” Denmark coach Age Hareide said. The first half of extra time was dominated by Spain again, with Isco at the forefront of the attacks but still unable to generate any clear cut opportunities. The Spaniards went ahead in the 12th minute when Ignashevich backheeled the ball into his own net while attempting to rugby tackle Sergio Ramos to the ground as Marco Aesnsio guided a freekick towards the far post. Gerard Pique, beaten in the air by Dzyuba, stuck his arm up as the Russian headed towards the goal and the referee needed little time in awarding a penalty for handball.
Russia knocks out Spain from the World Cup after winning a penalty shootout.