World Cup: Spain 1 Russia 1 – 5 Things to Know, Football News & Top Stories



[ad_1]

Russia set up a defensive masterclass in the round of 16 to beat Spain 4-3 on penalties in the first match of the 2018 World Cup to overtake the 90-minute Sunday (July 1) . The hosts of the tournament defended themselves heroically, absorbing over a thousand passes of Spanish pressure to pull the game.

Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero while he kept two shots of Koke's foot and Iago Aspas, on

A goal by Sergei Ignashevich's side gave the advantage to Spain before the Russians equalized thanks to a penalty from Artem Dzyuba after the game. Gerard Pique handball.

One never expected the Russians to shine offensively surprising was how lazy Spain looked forward pushing. La Roja finished the first half with no shot on the target and only four hits in the Russian penalty area.

Here is the truth for the game:

1. OBJECTIVES

Spain 1 (Ignashevich (og) 12th) Russia (Dzyuba (p) 41st)

2. THE MOMENT OF WOW

Russia's defense was almost superhuman as they closed the most talented Spaniards without flagging for 120 minutes, retaining their form and never letting themselves be exposed, even when they were in trouble. they mounted a rare counterattack

. A total of 1006 passes were sent to the 290 Russians, but much of it was horizontal as the 2010 World Cup champions simply failed to pass the Iron Curtain of the Russians.

3. THE DISCUSSION POINT

Experts, fans and conspiracy theorists will question what Gérard Pique was doing when he conceded a penalty to Russia after Dzyuba's head hit his arm tense.

his back was to Dzyuba and the ball when the cross went in – a bit like his opponent Sergei Ignashevich for his own goal. At the same time, you must be wondering what the defender of the caliber and the Spades experience was doing by jumping into the box with his arm raised as high.

4. THE STAR

Igor Akinfeev. Every day you save two penalties in a shootout is a good day. The right-back Ilya Kutepov could also be taken into account, her effort, positioning and timing being impeccable. However, it is difficult to see a Kutepov interception that enhances Akinfeev by saving Iago Aspas' kick.

5. WHAT IS THE RESULT

Faced with their first World Cup penalty shoot-out, the Russians kept their cool in front of the local crowd to welcome Spain in the round of 16. They will face Croatia or Denmark in the quarterfinals. the finals and have every chance of winning if they can put together a defensive performance equal to the effort of today and smother their opponents. It's ugly football but ultimately a football winner.

Spain says goodbye to the World Cup and the last members of their Golden Generation in the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Ramos. With all the talent at their disposal, Spain must regret leaving the first hour to escape. Russia has defended well, but Spain has also taken too long to get going.

[ad_2]
Source link