The 2018 World Cup will be remembered for many great moments, yet one aspect of this tournament that can't be ignored is the amount of goals notched off of penalties and own goals, which has been exceptional to say the least.

Spain’s dominance of possession struggled to break through the Russian defensive effort, except in a moment of sheer horror for Sergei Ignashevich as a cross found his foot and somehow deflected past Igor Akinfeev.

Russia earned a penalty towards the end of the first half through a Gerard Pique handball.

For all of Spain’s possession, it appeared Russia were more likely to found a route towards goal in the remainder of the first half with counter-attacking play. Spain lacked the clinical edge up front to capitalise on all their good build up.

Extra time was ultimately not enough to create any match winning moments, with penalties deciding the fate of the two sides. Russia were the winners following saves by Igor Akinfeev against Koke and Iago Aspas.

Spain

David De Gea - 6

Tested on a few occasions, but was mainly kept to recycling possession to his defenders to restart play.

Nacho - 6

Constantly a good outlet for his side in possession and always seemed to play the correct pass. Dani Carvajal being brought on was no doubt a signal of intent for a more attacking approach.

Gerard Pique - 6

Despite reports of a training ground injury prior to the tie, Pique was fit to take his rightful place in the Spanish defence.

Sergio Ramos - 6

No Sergio, that wasn’t your goal. Although the nuisance he caused for Ignashevich was well and truly enough to warrant him being credited with it. Was troubled by Artem Dzubya’s aerial presence throughout his time on the pitch.

Jordi Alba - 7

His pace and capacity to cause problems for the opposition with his runs in behind was in full display against the hosts. Was on the receiving end of some brutish tackles of which he never seemed fazed by.

Koke - 5.5

Initiated much of Spain’s build up from the back with a cool head, but mishit some passes while under no discernible pressure. The eruption that followed his penalty beingsaved by Akinfeev will no doubt haunt him.

Sergio Busquets - 6

The lynchpin in midfield displayed at times the qualities that rank him as the world’s best at his role. Some exquisite touches added an additional layer of quality to an already solid performance.

David Silva - 5

Looked to create something out of nothing for his side, but found his efforts cut out by the Russian wall in front of him. Went quiet for periods of the match until being substituted.

Isco - 6

Ambitious in his movement of the ball, forcing Russia in to moments of nervousness in defence.

Marco Asensio - 6.5

Caused problems for Russia with a cross from a free kick, resulting in the opening goal of the match. Was a significant catalyst for some of Spain’s more positive moments in the final third.

Diego Costa - 6

Found a way to create opportunities for his side but did not provide enough to keep his place for the rest of the match.

SUBS

Andres Iniesta - 7

The midfield maestro was brought on to provide a game changing moment, which he always looked to do in his time on the pitch.

Dani Carvajal - 6

Provided the speed and adventure that Nacho lacked going forward.

Iago Aspas - 6

A welcome arrival for Spanish fans, having been the saviour of a point against Morocco, but should have controlled his reaction to Iniesta’s saved effort a lot better. Had the undesired position of keeping Spain in the World Cup with his penalty, which was prevented from hitting the net by the foot of Akinfeev.

Rodrigo - 6

The Valencia attacker was well-placed to score the winner, only to be denied by Akinfeev.

Russia

Igor Akinfeev - 9

Intelligently prevented a Diego Costa cutback and showed composure to collect Spain’s lacklustre efforts that came his way. Kept his side in the match late on with a fantastic save against Iniesta’s volley and in extra time he added to his excellent performance with an assured save against Rodrigo. Truly the hero during the penalty shootout.

Ilya Kutepov - 5

Committed some poor fouls, but was otherwise fairly solid alongside Sergei Ignashevich.

Sergei Ignashevich - 7.5

His no-nonsense defensive display was important for keeping Russia in the game, as he was first to a lot of Spain’s movements into the box. The veteran was incredibly unfortunate to concede an own goal while contesting with perennial big-game player Sergio Ramos. Although for once, it wasn’t Ramos doing the bullying on the ball.

Fyodor Kudryashov - 7

Brought in to provide further physicality in a three-man Russian defence, which he did to great effect. Challenged well and prevented bedlam from occurring in the Russian defence by clearing loose balls. Was also handy going forward.

Mario Fernandes - 7.5

Diligently and effectively defended, considering his status as an offensive-minded fullback. Ultimately, where he was most impressive was in his forward play, exhibiting some impressive technical skills to attempt to make space for his team.

Yuri Zhirkov - 6

Intercepted smartly and linked up well with the star-man Golovin. Brought off for the second half.

Daler Kuzyayev - 6

Provided a defensive balance to the creative efforts of his central midfield partner, Roman Zobnin.

Roman Zobnin - 5.5

Competed well to reclaim possession for his side and had some bright moments when he moved further up the pitch. Appeared to tire towards the end of regular time.

Aleksandr Samedov - 6.5

Tireless in his efforts to put Spain on the back foot through his incessant high pressing. Brought off after a busy shift.

Aleksandr Golovin - 8

A genuine talent and an unpredictable quantity for the Spanish defence to handle throughout the opening 90.

Artem Dzyuba - 7.5

Imposed himself to create some good moments for his side, as he had to, considering much of Russia’s play was dependant on his aerial dominance. Was responsible for guiding the ball from the corner towards Pique’s arm, dispatching the resulting penalty with sheer ruthlessness and determination.

SUBS

Vladimir Granat - 6

Replaced Zhirkov at the beginning of the second half to continue the theme of solid Russian defending.

Denis Cheryshev - 5

Brought on with 30 minutes of regulation time to play to provide the spark that he had in the group stages, which he rarely looked like doing.

Fyodor Smolov - 5.5

Moved the ball quickly and determinedly. No doubt he would have regretted hitting his strike late in the second half with such ill precision.

Aleksandr Yerokhin - 6

Provided relief in midfield with his energy when his team were largely kept to defensive work in extra time.