The Spanish team are the latest to be knocked out of the world cup, after losing 4-3 on penalties to host Russia. The game ended 1-1 after 90-minutes and extra time of football, before the shootouts, where Igo Akinfeev showed David De-Gea who it is done when it comes to penalties, saving two penalties on the night.
This result means the last previous two winners of the world cup, both Germany and Spain are no longer in the competition, as the Russia 2018 surprises continue to manifest each game.
The Russian side gave the Spanish side an own goal early in the 11th minutes of the first half, a goal which Sergio Ramos celebrated as if it was is, and later leveled up after Gerard Pique was judged to have deliberately handled the ball in the box from a corner, as Russia were awarded a penalty which they slotted home with ease.
The game continued in the second half, as Spain dominated as usual, with over 1000passes (record in the competition)but lacking the penetrating pass to break up the defence of the Russians. The likes of David Silva did not do much, as he laboured to no end to find the appropriate pass to striker Diego Costa who on the day was frustrated as he was not getting any of the passes. The striker was even dropping deep sometimes to take the ball, as Spain did all the playing in the opposition half, but did not threaten as much.
The introduction of Iniesta gave them a more attacking option, as he was able almost immediately of his introduction gave Spain the lead, if not for the superb goalkeeping from Russian Igor Akinfeev.
The game ended 1-1 at the end of 90minutes, and even after the extra time, there was still no goals, and so it was down to the spot kick. While the Russians were 100% at their spot kicks, Spain was not that fortunate, as both Koke and Lago Aspas missed to give Russians their first ever ticket to a FIFA world cup quarter-finals.
All credit goes to the CSKA goalkeeper Akinfeev who outshined his fellow keeper from Manchester United and Spain De Gea to help keep his country in the competition.
What a week it has been for football, I mean, Argentina is gone, Germany, Portugal and now Spain. Who wins the world cup? and why do I feel we might be having a new champion just like in 2006 when Italy won in Germany and nobody thought they would even reach the finals.
With the likes of Brazil, France and Belgium still in there, and the drama going on, there still could be one more surprises to come before the final.