Spain out of FIFA WC 2018- Full Analysis

A nail-biting match and a twisted ending make a day for Russian fans. Spain and Russia encountered for Round of 16 at Luzhniki Stadium, Russia. In front of 75K home fans, Russian players displayed a phenomenal performance and a great defensive strategy. An outstanding performance by Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev who saves not only 2 penalties in the penalty shootout but also saves some important balls during the match.

Pic Credit: Hindustan Times

There was a little hope that Russia might serve an upset but nearly 90% predicted a Spanish win. This was the first match in WC2018 that went to Extra time. After this upset, it is sure that FIFA WC2018 is unpredictable. Starting from Russia beating Egypt, Iceland draws with Argentina, Mexico and S. Korea beat Germany, Swiss draws with Brazil, Poland exit, Japan's nice performance, Iran draws with Portugal etc.

Pre-Match Analysis

• Russia's 1st knockout matches in a major tournament since the break-up of Soviet Union.
• Spain has dominated possession in 32 out of 33 matches since 2006.
• Spain is unbeaten in their last 23 games.
• Russia never has beaten Spain since the breakup of Soviet Union.

In Match Analysis

12" - S. Ignashevich scored an own goal, Isco shot from free kick spot hits the heel of the defender as he is struggling with Ramos and get into his own net leaving goalkeeper no chances.

41"- G. Pique's handball gets him booked and offers Russia a penalty as the handling of the ball comes in D. A.Dzyuba makes no mistake and placed the ball calmly as goalkeeper dives opposite side.

45"-90" - Game full of Spanish domination in possession but fails to score a goal as a strong defensive strategy and a masterpiece goalkeeping by Russian captain. 

Extra Time 1st Half -  As expected Spain continuous attacks on Russian post but denied by Russian defense. Iniesta shot was dangerous and stopped by Igor.

Isco was slow in passing.

Yerokhin becomes the first 4th Substitute in FIFA WC. New rules of induction of 4th substitute in extra time can be done by teams in this WC.

Extra Time 2nd Half - Russian made some great move in 2nd half of Extra time but fails to convert as most of the players were exhausted and were extra back playing defensive. Spain continues their Tiki-Taka and finding a patch in Russian defense though they fail.

PENALTY SHOOTOUT :-

1st 
Spain takes the first shot as they choose Experienced Iniesta and as expected he scores easily.

Spain ✅
Russia's  Smolov scores for Russia and made the score even. 
Russia ✅

2nd 
Spain ✅✅ Pique scores.
Russia ✅✅ Ignashevich scores.

3rd 
Spain ✅✅✖ Koke Misses
Russia ✅✅✅ Golovin scores.

4th
Spain ✅✅✖✅ Ramos scores.
Russia ✅✅✅✅ Cherysev scores.

5th 
Spain ✅✅✖✅✖ I. Aspas misses

Russia clinches a historic win over Spain as they reach there first ever Quarterfinal.

Pic Credit: Mytimesnow

STATS

Spain 

SHOTS                              24
Shots on TARGET           09
Possession                         79%
Passes                                1114
Pass Accuracy                  90%
Fouls                                  5
Corners                             6

Russia 

SHOTS                              07
Shots on TARGET           01
Possession                         21%
Passes                                290
Pass Accuracy                  65%
Fouls                                  19
Corners                             5

Igor is definitely a Hero for Russia as he saves 2 penalty and other major saves during the match most important Iniesta's shot in the dying minutes.

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