Player ratings as Russia dump Spain out on penalties
Spain
David De Gea – 5 – Had little to do between the sticks until being called into action during the dying embers of the first-half with his first task being to prevent Russia scoring a penalty – he failed as Dzyuba unleashed a thunderbolt into the back of the net. Other than that, the United gloveman was assured and looked comfortable during the 120 minutes, though he failed to stamp his mark in the penalty shoot-out.
Nacho – 6 – Imperious surging forward for Spain, Nacho was a pivotal outlet in creating width for his side; he also had a helping hand in winning the subsequent free-kick for La Roja’s opening goal.
Gerard Pique – 5 – The tenacious tackler had started the match well, forming a combative and industrious partnership with Ramos, but his untimely outstretched arm conceded the Russian penalty which provoked a sense of panic.
Sergio Ramos – 6 – A captain’s performance, the Real Madrid centre-back was the chief general at the back for Spain, as Russia really failed to threaten other than the penalty.
Jordi Alba – 5 – A typical Alba performance as the full-back looked to get forward wherever possible. Had a few problems with Fernandes powering down the right side for Russia, but stood up to his defensive duties well.
Koke – 7 – For all of Spain’s creative prowess going forward, Koke’s inclusion in the starting XI for Hierro brought a necessary balance to the midfield, as his composure created a more cohesive unit.
Sergio Busquets – 6 – The Barcelona player was the elder statesman in the heart of Spain’s midfield as he procured the ball for the more creative players to flourish in the final third.
David Silva – 5 – The pint-sized playmaker produced moments of brilliance with the ball at his feet, but was largely ineffective as the Russian defence formed a formidable bulwark during his time on the pitch.
Isco – 8 – Spain’s chief architect, and the side’s emblematic player of the tournament so far, Isco was the standout player from this match as he dictated the tempo of play.
Marco Asensio – 6 – Struggled to influence the match as Spain struggled to break down a stubborn Russian defence. The Madrid man saw plenty of the ball, but largely failed to stamp his authority on the match.
Diego Costa – 5 – A three man Russian defence kept Costa quiet for large spells despite Spain’s dominance on the ball, and while the striker looked dangerous whenever the ball fell his way, he failed to lead his side to glory.
Russia
Igor Akinfeev – 8 – Despite Spain’s dominance in possession, the 2010-winners challenged on just a few occasions during the 90 minutes, but when called into action the skipper was equal to La Roja’s attack. Saved the decisive penalties from Koke and Aspas to send Russia through to the quarter-finals.
Ilya Kutepov – 6 – Russia’s best defender, Kutepov was relentless in the challenge and stood up to the task of handling Diego Costa well.
Sergei Ignashevich – 5 – Sergio Ramos got the better of the veteran defender with 12 minutes on the clock, as the 38-year-old wrestled the Real skipper to the ground before his back leg deflected the ball into his own net. For the remaining match, Ignashevich stood his ground effectively against Costa.
Fyodor Kudryashov – 6 – Formed an effective defensive trident alongside Ignashevich and Kudryashov as the Russian bulwark stifled the Spanish attack for large spells of the match.
Mario Fernandes – 6 – The Brazilian-born defender was a constant threat down the right for his side, as the back three of Russia gave the CSKA Moscow defender license to surge forward.
Daler Kuzyaev – 5 – Alongside Zobnin, the pair were disciplined as Spain relentlessly pressed the Russian goal for the majority of the match.
Roman Zobnin – 5 – Had the ominous task of keeping a very technically gifted Spanish midfield quiet, and while the opposition dominated the ball for most of the match, Zobnin was dogged as he side stifled their European counterparts.
Yuri Zhirkov – 4 – A sluggish challenge on Nacho led to the opening goal for Spain, and the former Chelsea full-bak tired as the match went on before coming off at half-time.
Alexander Samedov – 5 – The experienced forward looked to threaten going forward, and he played his role effectively before coming off for the more creative Denis Cheryshev in the second half.
Aleksandr Golovin – 6 – Russia’s most creative outlet during the match, and other than Dzyuba, he was the host’s greatest threat in the final third.
Artyom Dzyuba – 7 – Imperious in the air, the mountainous forward caused a number of problems for the Spain back-line, and ultimately played the key role in winning Russia a first-half penalty and converting it.