Russia head coach Stanislav Cherchesov told his charges to "persevere" as the team beat 2010 World Cup winners Spain to reach the quarter-finals of this summer's tournament, Russia midfielder Aleksandr Samedov said Sunday.
The host nation beat Spain on penalties at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium earlier on Sunday. The two teams drew 1-1 after extra time, but Russia prevailed 4-3 on penalties, with goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saving Koke's and Iago Aspas’s spot-kicks.
"The quarter-finals are ahead, so we'll see what happens next. The Spaniards try to take control of all their matches and have a huge advantage. Our head coach told us to persevere. Of course, it would have been better if we had scored in extra time. We are glad and happy. And as for our opponents in the quarter-finals, I really don't care," Samedov told journalists.
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