'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In yet another high-profile exit from the World Cup, Spain was stunned by hosts Russia, as they lost out the penalty shoot-out (4-3 in favor of Russia) after the score remained tied at 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes.
It took Spain a mere 12 minutes to get the lead, thanks to a Sergei Ignashevich own-goal, but Russia got the goal back after a handball from Gerard Pique. Dzyuba hit home from the spot to celebrate with his trademark salute, and Russia held on to that with their lives.
In the end, David De Gea could not make a single save in the shoot-out, while Igor Akinfeev reimbursed his legend status with two vital stops to send the former champions packing. Here is a look at four key takeaways at the end of the game.
#1 The importance of the twelfth man
If anybody wonders why football even has something like a home advantage, this match can serve as a proper example. The hosts filled the stadium to capacity, and the home fans saw to it that their team never felt the pressure of a moment as big as this.
Towards the end of the extra time, the camera zoomed in on the Russia substitutes asking the fans to get louder - which was surprising considering how loud they already were - but the fans obliged, making the atmosphere get even electric.
On the outside, it might seem like such a trivial thing but the importance of the crowd support cannot be ignored - all the more so considering this is Russia's first time in the knockout stage of the tournament.
While Russia getting out of the group was in itself a moment to be proud of, the manner in which they progressed to the next round will make them all the more famous among the home support.
#2 Igor Akinfeev's cult status
Akinfeev was the most widely known Russian player at the start of the tournament, and despite the arrival of young superstars and new blood into the squad, Akinfeev still remains their most vital player.
A little concern prevailed over whether Akinfeev was actually capable of translating his domestic success into the national squad - something he has struggled with in the past - but tonight proved that he very well can.
His experience also proved vital during the shootout as he stopped Koke first and then denied Iago Aspas for the final Spanish penalty to seal the victory for his side.
He also ended the game with nine saves to his name, as against zero from De Gea, ensuring that his team gave it everything they had in them.
#3 Isco's vitality to the Spanish side
It might not have been a successful night for Isco, but once again he showed how important he is to the Spanish national team.
Amidst a transfer window that is inviting a lot of speculation about his future at Real Madrid, it will certainly catch the eye of other clubs who are looking to get themselves a proper playmaker.
Isco completed nine dribbles during the game - the entire Russian team completed three. According to official stats, he ended the tournament with 23 key passes - including two tonight, but the lack of finishing and intent from the other Spaniards proved costly in the end.
A player who thrives well under a system that suits him, Isco was at the heart of everything good that Spain generated, but a resolute Russian defense proved to be too much for them. He also completed a whopping 130 out of his 147 attempted passes, but it is a pity that none of them led to the victory.
#4 Possession without intent
Spain had almost 80% of the ball over the course of the 120 minutes, and still managed to score only one goal - that too an own-goal. It is sad to see the team that popularised tiki-taka fall victim to their own system.
The teams these days understand how to deconstruct the tiki-taka - all you have to do is sit back, and then use the numbers to prevent the final pass into the box - and it was something that Russia took care of expertly.
They refused to go on the counter and leave themselves unnecessarily vulnerable and were content with playing out the time and going to the penalty shootout - which is, in most cases, as predictable as a coin toss.
Spain also completed 1006 passes during the game, while Russia managed just 191. Most of Spain's passes was rotations between the defenders, and a lot of unnecessary passing within themselves looking to tire the Russians out.
Unfortunately for them, Russia never walked into that trap. They defended with their lives, took their only chance and then kept their nerves to knock Spain out. It might not be pretty, but I will be damned if it is not effective.
What did you think about Russia's performance tonight? Sound off your opinion in the comments section below!
