World Cup: Akinfeev is the hero as Russia shock Spain on penalties - how Twitter reacted

Koke and Iago Aspas missed in the penalty shoot-out for Spain

Russia Igor Akinfeev Spain World Cup last 16
Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saves the penalty from Spain’s Iago Aspas 
(Image credit: Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images)

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

Host nation Russia are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after a shock penalty shoot-out victory against Spain.

The match finished 1-1 after extra-time and it was goalkeeper and captain Igor Akinfeev who became the Russian hero with penalty saves from Spain’s Koke and Iago Aspas.

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In a very tense match in Moscow Spain took the lead through a Sergei Ignashevich own goal but Russia were level four minutes before half-time when Artem Dzyuba slotted home a penalty after Gerard Pique was penalised for handball.

Despite having the majority of possession Spain could not break down a defensive Russian side in the second-half or during the extra 30 minutes.

The game went to spot kicks and it was Russia who held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties.

How the shoot-out unfolded (Spain took first):

  • 1-0: Iniesta scored
  • 1-1: Smolov scored
  • 2-1: Pique scored
  • 2-2: Ignashevich scored
  • 2-2: Koke missed
  • 2-3: Golovin scored
  • 3-3: Ramos scored
  • 4-3: Cheryshev scored
  • 4-3: Aspas missed

Russia will now face Croatia or Denmark in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday 7 July (7pm).

How Twitter reacted to Russia’s victory:

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