World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Russia won against Spain

World Cup 2018 saw the second major upset (following Germany's ouster), as hosts Russia eliminated Spain in the round of 16 on penalties.

A Sergei Ignashevich own goal with just over ten mins played gave Spain a vital lead but La Roja failed to capitalize on the momentum and seize the initiative.

In the closing stages of the first half, Fernando Hierro’s men conceded a penalty as Gerard Pique’s blatant handball offence was rightly penalised by referee Bjorn Kuipers.

Artem Dzyuba stepped up and delivered a crucial equalizer for the hosts and the Luzhniki Stadium reverberated with thunderous appreciation. The 1-1 stalemate was maintained until the end of extra time.

Stanislav Cherchesov’s hardworking group prevailed 3-4 at the final whistle, as keeper Igor Akinfeev thwarted both Koke and Iago Aspas during the shootout.

The result meant that Spain have now failed to win against host nations every single time, the defeat to Russia following those to Italy, England and even South Korea.

Here, we take a look at three key reasons for the hosts’ unexpected triumph.

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#1 Playing to strengths, tactics and keeping cool heads paid off

From the word go, one thing was clear – Stanislav Cherchesov’s men had one solid plan, and it was to defend their goalpost at all costs; the coach admitted as much during his post-match comments.

It did not start well for Russia though, given the initial clumsiness in giving away a free kick in a position of promise which was then routed into his own net by Ignashevich.

This, however, did not dampen spirits or cause any panic in the hosts’ camp. They defended resolutely and with vigour, refusing to be overawed by the Roja’s passing game. Spain maintained majority possession throughout but never seriously threatened, as most passes were made in their own half or in the midfield.

Meanwhile, Cherchesov had shuffled his line-up, switching to a back 3 and opting to start Golovin and Dzyuba, with Cheryshev on the bench. The result was with more than an hour gone - Spain lacking any penetration - extra time loomed on the horizon.

Their initial choices meant that the hosts could bring on fresh (and young) legs in Cheryshev and Fyodor Smolov, giving them a decent chance on the break.

#2 Key players delivered when it mattered most

Artem Dzyuba with the penalty

Artem Dzyuba was carrying the hopes of a nation as he stepped up to take the penalty awarded in the dying minutes of the first half, and he delivered superbly under pressure to give his team hope.

Akinfeev - the man between the sticks for the hosts - could not have picked a better game to put in a man-of-the-match performance.

It wasn’t often that Spain went on the offensive but at the fag end of extra time, there seemed to be a sudden urgency in their movement and passing. The introduction of Iago Aspas and Rodrigo certainly favoured La Roja, and on a couple of occasions, they went close.

Aspas and Rodrigo were both denied by Akinfeev, whose timely dives and safe hands ensured that the game would go into a penalty shootout.

Under the spotlight, Russia could have withered against former world champions; instead, their experienced players were required to step up did so, and with aplomb, in turn, taking them to the quarterfinals for the first time since the breakup of the USSR.

#3 A combination of excellent work ethic, fearless and freedom seals a place in QFs

A jubilant Russian dugout

Noted in the group stages for their energy, work ethic and defensive discipline (except vs. Uruguay), every Russian player defended like his life depended on it.

They ran themselves to the ground, intercepted and tackled effectively, and forced Spain to keep going wide by overloading bodies in midfield. From there, given their height and aerial prowess, the incoming threat(s) could be contained and the hosts knew it.

The liberty to experiment with his personnel – with nothing to lose and everything to gain - gave the coach a window of opportunity which he seized, simultaneously also giving them belief by being open with them about his approach.

Their group stage feat meant facing 2010 champions Spain, who were among the favourites to lift the trophy. Needless to say, a vast majority expected them to bow out of the tournament.

This allowed the Russian players to played with a degree of freedom - minus the weight of expectations – and fearlessness, for which they were eventually rewarded with a spot in the last eight.