On a rain-drenched evening at the Luzhinki Stadium, the 32-year-old showed excellent athleticism by using the heel to deny Aspas in the last shot as the hosts overcame the 2010 winners 4-3 on penalties after match ended 1-1 in extra time.
The Russian victory against a top side could be a turning point for sport’s future in the country as it’s still not one of their favourite games.
Basketball, volleyball and ice hockey continue to attract the Russians. Lack of international results may have had a deep impact on football not becoming a main sport.
Russia has reached the quarterfinals for the first time after 1966 as the erstwhile USSR.
Akinfeev was in great form after he made couple of excellent saves in the match including the one from substitute Rodrigo’s fiercely-driven shot while the defenders cleared Carvajal’s second effort from the rebound.
“I’m not the man of the match, the man of the match is our team and our fans,” said the Russian captain.
The beginning wasn’t good for Russia as Sergey Ignashevich own-goal opened scoring in the 12th minute, but Artem Dzyuba equalised from the spot in 41st following a handball by Pique.
But the Russians fought tooth and nail despite not enjoying the best of possession. They were a shade better in the second half, with a flurry of attacks had put the Spanish backline under pressure.
The early own-goal made things easier for the former champions despite Russian defenders worked hard to stop Asensio, Isco and Aspas.
The Spanish worked hard, but little results on the counter attacks as the hosts played their hearts out.
(http://www.khelupdates.com)
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