Spain were one of the heavy favorites left in the field heading into the Round of 16, but on Sunday host nation Russia stunned them with a victory achieved on penalty kicks.
The game was all tied up at 1-1 after regulation, prompting a penalty-kick finish. The reason it was tied in the first place will likely be a source of angst for Spain and their fans for years to come.
Reason that Russia a penalty kick to tie the game in relegation was this handball by Shakira's husband Piquepic.twitter.com/V2JBGKXkHg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 1, 2018
Russia won the lively penalty kick conclusion, 4-3, thanks to four straight makes, two misses by Koke and Iago Aspas and a gorgeous save by Igor Akinfeev.
The most-loved foot in #RUS!#ESPRUS pic.twitter.com/oFVsYIYFsW
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2018
⚽️ World Cup 2018 Russia.
Russia beat Spain today after penalty. 1-1 after full time. pic.twitter.com/SWYEba7575— Per Daniel Gardtman (@Gardtmansocial) July 1, 2018
Kick save ! Lol incredible.
— James Espinosa 🎙️ (@SirEdwardJames) July 1, 2018
The stunning finish sends Spain packing and Russia one step closer to winning the World Cup in 2018.
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/1013464223995834368
AMAZING: The reaction in Moscow's fan park when Russia beat Spain on penalties. pic.twitter.com/ECcWfaecoe
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 1, 2018
Twitter had many varied reactions to this stunning outcome.
I love that Russia won. They played great defense, and on their six shots they scored one. So don’t be upset when your team loses to a team that is worse on PK’s
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) July 1, 2018
Take the L, @SergioRamos pic.twitter.com/4uPaAN65Sj
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/zag08/status/1013464907558342656
Spain had over 1000 successful passes in that game and lost. That surely must be a record?
— Wardy (@WardyPne) July 1, 2018
Argentina 61% possession,
France 39%.
Argentina lost.Portugal 68% possession,
Uruguay 32%.
Portugal lost.Spain 79% possession,
Russia 21%.
Spain lost.Possession is not everthing.
— RusydiLemon (@RusydiLemon) July 1, 2018
Cant believe Spain have gone out to this Russia team. My favourites before the tournament began but ultimately didnt have the final cutting edge. Tournament is wideeee open.
— . (@A_D97x) July 1, 2018
Spain got kicked by Russia like #ESPRUS pic.twitter.com/rUY1X0l6KN
— Madara (@Bayern_Graphics) July 1, 2018