Russia have knocked Spain out of the World Cup at the second-round stage after a dramatic penalty-shootout win in Sunday's clash in Moscow.
An own goal from Sergei Ignashevich had put Spain in control but Russia equalised before the break when Artem Dzyuba netted from the penalty spot.
Spain dominated the remainder of the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances and Russia took advantage by prevailing 4-3 on penalties.
Find out how all of the action unfolded in Russia's capital courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the World Cup last-16 clash between Spain and Russia. Both teams head into this fixture in mixed form but with a place in the quarter-finals at stake, which nation can raise their game?
Before we crack on with the facts and figures, let's bring you some team news, starting with the 2010 winners...
SPAIN XI: De Gea; Nacho, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke; Asensio, Isco, Silva; Costa
RUSSIA XI: Akinfeev; Kutepov, Ignashevich, Kudryashov; Fernandes, Zobnin, Kuzyaev, Samedov, Zhirkov; Golovin; Dzyuba
Let's take a look at the Spain side as Fernando Hierro opts to make three changes to his starting lineup. The most notable news is the decision to drop Andres Iniesta to the substitutes' bench, with Marco Asensio being preferred.
There is a further alteration in the middle of the park with Koke getting the nod over Thiago Alcantara. It is a sign that Hierro is looking to tighten things up with Spain conceding five goals in their last three matches.
The third switch comes at right-back with Nacho being brought into the side in place of Dani Carvajal. Nacho started and scored in the first game against Portugal, but Carvajal has featured in the last two fixtures.
As expected, David de Gea keeps his place between the sticks. Earlier this week, there had been suggestions that the Manchester United goalkeeper would be dropped but Hierro was quick to reveal that he intended to show faith in the long-time number one.
Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov has opted to change tactics for this fixture with a switch to a back three being made. It means that Denis Cheryshev - who plays his club football in Spain - has been dropped to the substitutes' bench.
In total, Cherchesov has made four alterations, with Aleksey Miranchuk and Yury Gazinsky also being left out and Igor Smolnikov missing out through suspension. The defender was sent off in the final group fixture with Uruguay.
Coming into the team are Mario Fernandes - who will replace Smolnikov in the right defensive position - as well as Yuri Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyayev and Aleksandr Golovin. Maybe the plan was always to use three at the back against the Group B winners with both full-backs having being rested.
We expect Golovin to play just off lone frontman Artem Dzyuba, who has been a revelation at this tournament. He began the first game on the bench but since scoring on his introduction, the 29-year-old has scored twice and looked a handful for the opposition defence.
The winner of this tie will face the victors from the contest which is taking place later today between Croatia and Denmark. You can, of course, follow that match with Sports Mole from 6pm, BST.
We have already had two last-16 matches, both of which took place yesterday. Both match reports - and all of the reaction - can be found in our World Cup section.
In the build-up to this match, a lot has been said regarding the performances of De Gea, but Hierro has publicly backed the Man United stopper. Click here to read what he has had to say.
Spain have also come in for criticism regarding the level of their performances but David Silva has suggested that the remarks are 'sometimes unfair'. Click here to see if you agree with the playmaker's thoughts.
Isco could turn out to be a key man for Spain today. The Real Madrid midfielder has played a part in 12 goals in his last 15 outings for his country. He also found the back of the net in the last fixture against Morocco.
Spain have also failed to score in just one of their last dozen outings at a World Cup. Their only failure came against Chile four years ago.
La Roja are competing at their 10th World Cup in succession but they have only reached the semi-finals on one occasion - when they won the trophy in 2010.
Spain head into this fixture on the back of a 23-game unbeaten streak. Their last setback came against Italy at Euro 2016.
Cherchesov has been praised for negotiating the group stages but the Russia boss has suggested that he would be regarded as 'a God' should his team go through to the quarter-finals. Click here to read his quotes.
While Cherchesov could become a God, Golovin could be near to becoming a star with the midfielder said to be close to a switch to Chelsea. Reported new boss Maurizio Sarri and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy could be watching this match closely.
Russia are taking part in just their third knockout fixture since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The other two matches came at Euro 2012, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to Spain.
Russia nor the USSR have not won a knockout game at a World Cup for 52 years. The last time came in 1966 when they beat Hungary in the quarter-finals.
PREDICTION! Neither side will be completely satisfied with their performances at this event, but we are backing Spain to begin to find their 'A' game now that the group stages have come to a conclusion. Russia will be confident of causing an upset, but Spain's greater quality in attack could prove to be the difference.
HEAD TO HEAD! Sunday's fixture will represent the seventh match between the two teams, and Spain remain unbeaten having put together four victories and two draws.
Half of the previous contests have taken place at the European Championship, with Spain claiming a 1-0 triumph in 2004 and registering two victories at the 2008 edition.
The most recent clash took place in November, with a 3-3 draw being played out in St Petersburg. Click here to read back on that game.
It's time for the two teams to start making their way out in Moscow. It's 25C degrees in Russia's capital - cooler than in some places - but the humidity level is high so it could be a long afternoon for the team without possession...
A reminder of the two starting lineups...
SPAIN XI: De Gea; Nacho, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke; Asensio, Isco, Silva; Costa
RUSSIA XI: Akinfeev; Kutepov, Ignashevich, Kudryashov; Fernandes, Zobnin, Kuzyaev, Samedov, Zhirkov; Golovin; Dzyuba
KICKOFF! Spain get us underway!
It's been a relatively quiet start from both sides but it is Spain who have taken it upon themselves to get on the ball and get settled. The whistles come from the home support.
More of the same from Spain but once possession is lost, Golovin surges down the right flank and wins a corner for his side. Excellent play. Nothing comes from it but it is a show of intent.
Spain get themselves back on the ball but they are finding it difficult to find any space in the final third. Russia are sitting very deep.
Russia are playing well and truly on the break. Once they win the ball back, the more offensive-minded players are looking to get forward. Still no chances.
Spain manage to release Costa down the left flank but the forward's first-time cross is straight at the defender. Costa wants handball but he is never getting that.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Russia (Sergei Ignashevich own goal)
Spain take the lead and it's a calamitous own goal! A free kick was swung in from the right and Ignashevich is more focused on holding Ramos than attacking the ball. Instead, as he takes Ramos down, the ball rebounds off his heel and heads into the far corner of the net!
© Reuters
Russia's gameplan has effectively gone out of the window. They cannot really sit back now but they also need to ensure that they do not concede a second. If they do, it is a long, long way back.
Spain look comfortable, though. That goal has eased the pressure and they can now afford to their time in possession. Isco looks in the mood.
More of the same. Pass, pass, pass. Spain have had 75% of the ball since the beginning of this match. Russia are starting to do a lot of chasing.
Still not a whole lot to report. It's effectively a training session for Spain. They are making this game boring in an attempt to stifle their opponents and take energy away from them. It is working a treat.
Dzyuba does well to buy a free kick out of Ramos and it leaves Russia with an opportunity to get the ball into the box through Zhirkov. They need to take chances like this.
It ends up being Samedov who takes the set piece but although Russia win a header at the back post, the ball is soon cleared by Spain.
Wasted chance for Spain. Isco gets the chance to play in Alba inside the penalty area but his 10-yard pass is over-hit. It is not often that you say that.
Better from Russia who manage to win a corner on the right flank. The home side are starting to get encouraged with the success that they have had over the past few minutes.
As we approach the half-hour mark, Spain are still to have a shot on goal. The own goal was a complete bonus and it has played perfectly into La Roja's hands.
We are back to Spain spraying the ball about and Russia are content to take a breather after a couple of flurries forwards. By the way, incase you were wondering, Russia have had two shots in this match, both of which were off target.
Russia's fans are bored already. A Mexican wave has been created and their interest is invested in that. It's a very weird atmosphere. Spain are still in possession.
See previous post...
SHOT! Russia finally get the ball back and proceed to take the direct route. The ball eventually falls to Golovin around 16 yards out but the midfielder curls marginally wide of the far post.
I think Russia have had enough of remaining patient and equally becoming frustrated. Now that they are on the ball, they are using it effectively and passing it about at a faster pace than Spain.
PENALTY TO RUSSIA! A corner is whipped in and Dzyuba's header is blocked by the hand of Pique, who stuck his arm up. Stonewall penalty and he is yellow carded too.
GOAL! Spain 1-1 Russia (Artem Dzyuba)
Russia have equalised! It's such a good penalty from Dzyuba, who drills the ball to De Gea's left with the goalkeeper diving the other way. Game on.
© Reuters
Russia really fancy this now. They have spent the first half being watchful and have now been gifted their equaliser. They still need to get into half time on level terms.
There will be two minutes of added-on time.
CHANCE! Costa is played in down the right-hand side of the penalty area and the angle is not to his benefit. The Atletico Madrid man gets a shot away but Akinfeev comes out well to block.
CHANCE! Costa is in the action again but his header lacks pace and is comfortably saved by Akinfeev.
HALF TIME: Spain 1-1 Russia
The half-time whistle goes in Moscow and we are on level terms. It has been a weird half which has been dominated by Spain but being over-cautious on the ball has not paid off and Russia are looking a threat in attack. It could be an interesting second half.
Spain's opener was lucky but Russia - more specifically Ignashevich - were equally guilty. The free kick from the right was a good one but the Russia veteran was focused on grabbing hold of Ramos and probably deserved to put through his own net from close range. If it had not been a goal, VAR would have made sure that a penalty was given.
Russia did not particularly deserve their equaliser but there was no doubting that they deserved a penalty. Pique stuck up a hand to block a header from Dzyuba and was booked, and the striker took on the responsibility to fire the ball into the bottom corner for his third goal of the tournament.
We are going to have a Russia change. Granat is being brought on for Zhirkov. Who knows how Russia will now line up!
KICKOFF! Russia get us back underway.
CHANCE! Half a chance for Spain. A cross from the right goes all the way through to Alba around 15 yards out but the ball was not bouncing favourably for the left-back and although his effort was on target, Akinfeev was relatively untroubled.
Spain continue to see more of the ball in these early stages of the second half. Russia won't mind too much, as long as they remain on level terms.
A free kick from the right finds Costa but the Spain forward's header is well off target.
Spain are replicating their efforts on the ball from the first half but they are showing more willingness to deliver crosses into the box. They are causing more problems for Russia.
BOOKING! Kutepov goes into the book for hauling down Asensio. Nothing comes from a free kick on the left.
If Spain remain on level terms, it will be interesting to see who Hierro introduces first. Silva has probably been the most ineffective of the front four. Koke could also be withdrawn.
Spain maintain their efforts in the final third with Isco being given the chance to get the ball into the box from the byline. However, a Russia defender gets across to make the block.
Another ball is delivered into the penalty area and Silva - of all people - gets a head to the ball. However, his glancing effort goes well wide of the target.
SUBSTITUTION! A second change for Russia sees Cheryshev introduced for Samedov.
The fact that Russia have made the first couple of changes suggest that Cherchesov is not prepared to play for extra time and penalties. It's a refreshing attitude against a team such as Spain.
SUBSTITUTION! This is a strange alteration from Cherchesov, however. Off comes Dzyuba with Smolov being introduced in his place.
SUBSTITUTION! Hierro responds with an alteration of his own as Iniesta replaces Silva.
Spain have reverted back to their possession strategy of the first half. They are aware that Russia have no more changes available and are playing this at their own pace. It's not going down well with the crowd.
SUBSTITUTION! Another switch for Spain as Carvajal replaces Nacho.
BOOKING! Zobnin goes into the book for going through the back of Alba.
Spain are starting to build up a head of steam again. Have Russia acted too quickly with their changes? They are all camped inside of their own half.
Another two minutes of passing comes to an end when Iniesta fails to collect Costa's flick inside of the penalty area. Fifteen minutes to go in this one.
Not much else to add. As it stands, only Spain are showing any intent to push for a winner.
The Russian fans are whistling at Spain's use of the ball but there is not much that they can do. Russia are barely moving out of their defensive third.
SUBSTITUTION! Spain's final switch sees Costa replaced by Aspas.
Spain's pressure finally leads to a corner being won after Aspas's clever run across the defender. Maybe the ex-Liverpool man can offer more movement than Costa.
Apparently, we have had 12 shots in this game. I'm not sure about that. I must have drifted off at some point. There has not been one for quite a while.
SHOT! Now we have had another! Aspas cushions the ball down for Iniesta to get a volley on goal but his low effort is tipped away by Akinfeev.
Nearly an opening for Russia on the break but they get it all wrong with Smolov not getting himself back onside on the halfway line.
Spain are pressing hard now. One corner comes to nothing but a second is on its way after a Russia defender panics when trying to clear the ball.
There will be four minutes of added-on time.
I think we are going to get our first lot of extra time at this tournament. I think that we will see the same pattern of play in the additional 30 minutes. Russia look tired.
SHOT! Russia almost nick it. Smolov gets on the ball on the left-hand side of the penalty area but the substitute drills wide of the far post from 20 yards.
FULL TIME: Spain 1-1 Russia
Into extra time we go. This had been coming for the majority of that second half.
KICKOFF! Spain get us back underway.
CHANCE! Spain are straight back onto the front foot. Aspas is played into the penalty area and his cross from the byline finds Carvajal, who cannot get his effort on goal.
I'm not so sure that Russia have got the legs to keep Spain out for another 30 minutes. The attacking players look fresh enough but the back three are starting to lag.
The pressure is now relentless but Koke decides to shoot from distance in an attempt to beat Akinfeev. It was never threatening the target.
SUBSTITUTION! Russia's one extra switch is used to introduce Yerokhin in place of Kuzyayev.
Spain have still got one more change up their sleeve. It wouldn't come as a surprise if Thiago is brought on for Koke.
The Russian fans are on their feet in an attempt to rouse their side. They need it. They've got 18 minutes to take this game to penalties.
SUBSTITUTION! Spain bring on Rodrigo for Asensio. That's your lot as far as substitutions are concerned.
There will be one minute of added-on time.
HALF TIME: Spain 1-1 Russia
KICKOFF! We are back underway.
Just before the break, Pique had a header easily saved by Akinfeev but that was as close as we came to another goal in the first period of extra time. This is looking like penalties.
CHANCE! This is what we have been waiting for. Rodrigo takes it upon himself to take on the Russian defence and after powering into the penalty area, he forces a brilliant save out of Akinfeev from 12 yards.
That chance has reminded Russia that they still face a fight to hang on to this draw. Spain still look fresh in attack. Aspas and Rodrigo are making the difference.
The Russian fans are starting to cheer like they have scored a goal whenever they win a free kick. It's that kind of setting now. It's all Spain.
This is unbelievable. Both Pique and Ramos are being pulled down inside of the penalty area and it goes to VAR. However, VAR says for play to continue! It's an astonishing decision.
Russia are starting to go on the attack. It would be incredible if they find a winner given their approach to this game.
Spain are back in the ascendancy. The rain is coming down in Moscow. It's quite the conclusion.
There will be one minute of added-on time.
FULL TIME: Spain 1-1 Russia
Penalties it is! Russia are delighted. Spain have the greater experience in this kind of situation. Anything could happen...
It is going to be Spain who are going to take the first penalty...
Spain 1-0 Russia Iniesta steps up and sends the ball to Akinfeev's left. The goalkeeper dived the other way.
Spain 1-1 Russia Smolov gets Russia back on level terms but De Gea got a strong touch to it. He probably should have saved that.
Spain 2-1 Russia Pique converts with confidence but his strike goes in off the post. Bit fortunate there!
Spain 2-2 Russia Ignashevich steps up and calmly sends De Gea the wrong way. Four good penalties so far.
Spain 2-2 Russia Koke MISSES! It's a poor spot kick and Akinfeev guesses correctly to his right. Advantage Russia.
Spain 2-3 Russia Golovin is the next to take and he drills it into the net, with De Gea diving too early.
Spain 3-3 Russia As calm as you like, Ramos levels things up by sending Akinfeev the wrong way.
Spain 3-4 Russia Cheryshev is given the ball by Ramos - a bit of gamesmanship there - but it matters little as he fires down the centre. Russia are on the brink here.
Spain 3-4 Russia Aspas must score...and he misses! UNBELIEVABLE! Russia are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and Spain are out! Aspas's effort was saved.
What an occasion this has turned out to be. Spain have dominated for large periods and Russia have spent the majority of the game inside of their own half but it is the tournament hosts who go on to play either Croatia or Denmark in the quarter-finals.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us today and we hope that you can stick around for the next game, with our coverage beginning shortly.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.
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