Sunday was another remarkable day at the 2018 World Cup. The outstanding result of the day was Russia knocking out Spain in a penalty shootout. Prior to the World Cup, many thought that Russia would exit the tournament in the group phase.But they are now through to the quarter-finals where they’ll take on Croatia. Could Russia make it to the semis?
A Sergei Ignashevich own goal gave Spain the lead. But Artem Dzyuba drew Russia level with a 41st minute penalty. Iago Aspas missed the crucial Spain penalty as Russia won the shootout 4-3. Manchester United goalie David De Gea has been a target for hate following Spain’s World Cup exit. De Gea is often labelled the best goalie in the world. But the Man United stopper had a rough time in Russia.
He only made one save in the tournament, while he let in six goals in four matches. De Gea’s error against Portugal, when he allowed Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot to slip through his fingers, is the go-to memory to bash the Man United star with. But not everyone is keen to slam De Gea. Spanish paper Marca have made it their business on Monday to come to goalie’s defence.
While Marca noted that the Man United keeper struggled at the World Cup, they note that’s equally true for many of Spain’s squad. Marca argue: Nowadays, it seems more fun to join the memes or the desire to hit a player who probably has not had his best World Cup, but who has been at the same level, at the same level as his teammates, neither more nor less.
Will De Gea keep his place in the Spain squad moving forward?