Spain would’ve been delighted by the prospect of facing Russia after managing to steal the top spot in Group B in the final moments against Morocco. The hosts themselves have been enjoying a sensational run in the 2018 World Cup, ensuring progression into the knockout rounds for the first time since the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
They blew past Saudi Arabia in the opener, dispensed off Egypt and, despite the defeat against Uruguay, ensured progression into the Round of Sixteen. Logic suggested that this was as far as they would go and Spain were heavy favourites to trounce the hosts on their way to the quarterfinals.
As it turned out, Russia held firm for 90 minutes, came up with an equalizer after conceding an early own-goal and forced extra-time, thanks to some body-on-the-line and mind-over-matter defending. Then came penalties, followed by one of the most unbelievable results in World Cup History!