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![Russia's midfielder Denis Cheryshev celebrates after scoring his penalty during the penalty shootout in the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Spain and Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 1, 2018. (Photo by YURI CORTEZ / AFP ) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS / DOWNLOADS YURI CORTEZ / Getty Images </span></small></div>
<p> Russia shocked Spain on Sunday as they won at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow to <span><span> </span> secure a quarter-final berth at the 2018 World Cup </span></p>
<p><span> Koke and Iago Aspas failed to convert their spot-kicks into the shootout after the two sides played out at 1- 1 draw over 120 minutes </span></p>
<p> The Roja took the lead through Sergey Ignashevich's own goal after just 11 minutes. The Sergio Ramos, the defender was in the process of bundling. </p>
<p> Artem Dzyuba answered by Gerard Pique was penalized for (19659007) Spain were controversially denied a penalty when Ignashevich pulled down Pique in the 24th minute of the extra time even after the incident was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee, resulting in the shootout. </p>
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<p> <strong> Spain Got What They Deserved </strong> </p>
<p> <span> There Is No Denying the Quality of Spain [edit] <span> -Argentina found out as <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> [edit] [edit] [edit] </span> </span></p>
<p> <span><span> <span> After taking the lead and taking control of the match, The <span> </span> Roja <span> </span> should have been ruthlessly stepping on Russia's throat and putting the game </span> </span> </span></p>
<p> <span><span> <span> <span> ESPN's Dermot <span> </span> Corrigan <span> </span> and David <span> </span> Cartlidge <span> </span> discussed their problems: </span></span></span></p>
<div clbad=](https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/750/466/hi-res-7ace558f0df15e273e1858bbf1a3dd73_crop_north.jpg?h=53&w=80&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top)
Dermot Corrigan [196590] 15] @ dermotmcorrigan
Spain not really playing that well – moving ball across the pitch and back, then back to Gea who hoofs into touch. No shots on goal yet – do not think they have even completed a pbad on the penalty area.
David Cartlidge @ davidjaca
And when you face a side like Russia, happy to sit and soak up pressure, there has been a touch of the unpredictable. A typically flat #ESP performance at this WC. #ESPRUS
They were throughout the 120 minutes, and while the introductions of Aspas and Rodrigo (19459008)
Football writer Karl Matchett
Along with their problems in the final third, their defense was an issue once again.
] The Roja have been uncharacteristically vulnerable at the back throughout the tournament, and Pique gifted Russia thrown his arm in the air while defending a corner
As Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe noted, their tendency to become misfortune had Receptions in the history of the tournament:
Sam Tighe @ stighefootball
The needless #ESP errors continues in the Round of 16. They are their own worst enemy. #WorldCup
(From my Ro16 preview piece) https://t.co/S2jBZSo8EC
Spain may feel hard by having the bulk of possession and opportunities over the course of the match, but in truth, they engineered their own downfall.
The match would never have been achieved, let alone penalties, they would have shown that they were more likely to survive or have been victimized.
VAR Robs Spain in 1st of Great Test of System
With a few exceptions, the introduction of VAR at the World Cup has been fairly positive,
Oleg Nikishin / Getty Images
Indeed, FIFA's referee committee head Pierluigi Collina This article is translated from French. the tournament in consultation with VAR have been correct, by the Press Association (h / t Sky Sports).
However, in the knockout phase, it's even more vital that referees get the big calls right, and on this occasion, that did not happen.
While Spain should never have had to rely on a refereeing decision to see them through the hosts, Ignashevich visibly pulled Pique down while, at the same time, Ramos was also held by another defender
Former footballer Pierre van Hooijdonk Could not believe a spot-kick was not in the studio VAR:
Pierre van Hooijdonk @ pierrevh 17
I do not care who goes through the goal I clearly saw 2 Russian players pulling Spanish jerseys in the box. #VAR decided NO penalty ….
Did they change the rules last night?
Ramos felt refere Bjorn Kuipers should have checked the footage himself:
Dermot Corrigan @ dermotmcorrigan [19659016] Ramos on VAR "I have not seen it again, but he was pulling me and stopped me getting to the ball. We can not change anything now. VAR is there to help, and the referee did not whistle it. "
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea Midfielder Micky Hazard is not a fan of the system:
Micky Hazard @ 1MickyHazard
At the end of this World Cup, I'm sure that I'm certain, I do not like it, I'm not based on fact based decisions, I'm not a big loser. X
VAR's failing: human error
When is it done and done it still go down to an official -whether it is in the studio or the one on the pitch -to make the decision, and even with the benefit of replays, they can make questionable calls.
Isco Is the Crown Jewel of Spain Next-Gen
Fernando Hierro's decision to drop Andres Iniesta from the starting XI-even if his replacement , Marco Asensio, is an outstanding and impactful young talent-was a puzzling decision.
Sky Sports' Spanish football pundit Terry Gibson was one of many who did not expect such a change:
Terry Gibson @ TerryGibson88
Very surprised Hierro has left Iniesta out today, i actually think he has been one of their best performers in this competition, from the fact that he is one of the best midfielders to have ever played the game.
The playmaker's legendary status is well-earned and can not replace him, but ] Isco shown he can be the man to do so for Spain, even if he ended u
The 26-year-old barely put a foot on the heels of the Roja, pressing well and always offering an option in the final third.
COPA90 US 'Aaron West and ESPN's Michael Cox were among those who enjoyed his performance:
A West @ ayyy_west
Spain is finally fully Isco's team and it's beautiful to watch. [19659070] Michael Cox @ Zonal_Marking
Isco is so good that he's in danger of making the number 22, among the worst numbers in football, cool
He showed more drive and intent than his team-mates , Squawka Football demonstrated:
Squawka Football @ Squawka
Isco completed 5/5 of the first half . #RUS.
The rest of the team completed, #RUS completed just two. ? https://t.co/KCdEQyxnro
With Iniesta now 34 and David Silva -who was the least impressive of the three in Russia –
Isco will be key to their transition to a new generation of stars, and while it's clear they have issues to work, having their composition, technique and creativity in their side will help to change.
What's Next
Russia will play either Croatia or Denmark in the quarter-final on Saturday, July 7, at 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET).
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