Spain coach Fernando Hierro called his side a brutal assault on Russia's defense in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup. However, La Roja's efforts are endless.
Playing at Luzhniki Stadium, Sunday (1/7/2018) night local time, the Spanish national team appear dominant. Based on statistics on the official FIFA website, the Matador team recorded 74 percent of the ball possession versus 26 percent owned by Russia.
The Matador team also pounded the Red Bear team's defense by releasing 25 shots and nine that led to the goal. Meanwhile, Russia has only one good chance of six chances.
Spain was superior first after Sergei Ignashevich breaking into his own goal in the 12th minute. However, Russia successfully equalized through the execution of penalty Artem Dzyuba in the 41st minute.
Playing 1-1 for 120 minutes, the winner determination is done on penalties. In the tos-tosan round, La Furia Roja must recognize Russia's superiority and give up with a score of 3-4.
The players have given everything since our first day together, it's hard to attack for 120 minutes, we try everything." Our efforts are very brutal, "Hierro said.
"We have already said in three group phase matches, there is a margin for error, and in the last 16 there should be no mistakes, and we understand that. Honestly, the team has acted professionally every day, whether it appears or not, "he continued.
The defeat makes the Spanish national team failed to pitch into the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup. In the 2014 World Cup, Spain is also not able to penetrate the big eight because it had to stop at the group stage.