Full-time: Russia 1-1 Spain The Russian crowd yelp in delight! Their team have held Spain at bay for 120 minutes. Can they complete the job and knock out their illustrious opponents to reach the quarter-finals? Will Spain try to pass from the spot-kicks? Stay tuned for the denouement!
Meanwhile, Russia just made their 4th substitution. In case you’re wondering how, new rules permit an extra sub in case a game goes to extra time.
Drama now! VAR intervenes after spotting a lot of pushing and shoving inside the area as Spain swung in a freekick into the Russian box. The ref took a look after vociferous shouts for a penalty. But nothing much in it, says the ref.
Third game into the knockout stage and we finally get to see the first penalty shootout of the 2018 World Cup. This is where heroes are celebrated and villains are crucified. Here we go!
Spain has been stunned by the Russians. The hosts’ joy knows no bounds whatsoever. But Fernando Hierro’s men have bottled it up against an inferior outfit (on paper). La Roja has nobody but themselves to blame. They struggled to break down a determined Russian defence and failed to hold their nerves in the shootout. This World Cup is throwing up one surprise after another.
Memories of 2002 for Spain as well when they were knocked out by hosts South Korea in the quarter-finals.
Source: News365coza
