Russia dump Spain out of World Cup
Russia’s Aleksandr Yerokhin made a little piece of World Cup history on Sunday when he became the first man to appear as a fourth substitute in a tournament match during the hosts’ game against Spain in Moscow.
FIFA introduced a new regulation for the 2018 World Cup that allowed teams to use a fourth replacement in extra time, and coach Stanislav Cherchesov took advantage of it halfway through the first period, sending on Yerokhin for Daler Kuzyayev.
Russia have eliminated Spain from the World Cup, surviving two hours of dominance by the 2010 champions in a 1-1 draw before winning a penalty shootout 4-3.
Russia’s captain and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved spot-kicks from Koke and Iago Aspas, while all four Russians scored.
Akinfeev used his trailing left foot to kick the ball high away from the goal on Spain’s last attempt by Aspas.
The veteran goalkeeper leapt up, punched the air with both hands and leapt into a surfing, belly-flop dive on to the rain-soaked turf as team-mates raced to him from the halfway line.
Russia dumped one of the favourites Spain to advance to quarter final while Croatia edged off Denmark in a penalty shootout to reach the last eight.
