Igor Akinfeev saved two spot-kicks as hosts Russia beat Spain 4-3 in a 10 penalty shootout to reach the World Cup quarter-finals after their last-16 tie had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Akinfeev kept out efforts by Koke and Iago Aspas as the 2010 champions, unbeaten in their previous 23 games became the latest big-name casualty to exit the tournament after Germany, Argentina and Portugal.
Fernando Hierro’s side dominated possession but were unable to make it count and were punished when Russia were awarded a penalty.
Russia, 70th in Fifa’s world rankings, were without a win in seven games before the World Cup. They are now two victories from the final.
BBC/SAMMY
