Golovin played the full 120 minutes and converted his penalty in the shootout as Russia eliminated 2010 winners Spain on Monday morning (AEST) to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

"This victory became a reality thanks to our spirit," said the 22-year-old.

"There are always many success factors, but it surely had something to do with our exceptional spirit and our will.

"It's nice to realise that we've created a truly historic victory, that we've made a huge number of people extremely happy. It's just amazing. However, the tournament continues, there's the quarter-final match ahead of us, we'll be preparing for it."

Golovin has become a big name in the transfer gossip columns since the beginning of the World Cup, at which he has two goals and two assists from his three games.

At club level, he racked up 43 games for CSKA Moscow last season, scoring seven goals as The Horses finished second in the Russian Premier League.

English Premier League club Chelsea have, according to various UK media titles, been in talks with CSKA Moscow, while the tournament has been going on.

They hope to appoint their new manager, Maurizio Sarri, by the end of the week, and then push through a deal for Golovin worth in the region of AUD $48 million.

The midfielder and his teammates next face Croatia in the last eight on 8 July (AEST).