When the moment came, nerves taking hold of the Luzhniki Stadium, 144 million Russians and so many more across the globe looking upon him, Igor Akinfeev flew one way and the ball flew the other. But when it appeared that he might be beaten somehow he, like his team, found a way to win. His left leg swung to kick Iago Aspas’s penalty clear and send the host country through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Suddenly, white shirts flooded the pitch and in the stands the crowd erupted, celebrating the most improbable success.
Written by Sid Lowe at the Luzhniki Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/01/spain-russia-world-cup-last-16-match-report under the title “Russia eliminate Spain from World Cup in last-16 penalty shootout”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
