Moscow and the tears of victory

The Russian team defeated Spain 4-3 in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of intense fighting with no clear winner (1-1). This was a very bitter result for the Spanish because they were rated much higher than Russia.

Interim coach Hierro directed his players to control the game well throughout the 120 minutes, Spain played better than Russia. They had 79% possession in 120 minutes and had a total of 25 shots - 3 times more than Russia.

Death was foretold

Moment of victory celebration of Russian team players. Photo: Internet

Spain's defeat was actually predicted, at least 2 days before they entered the opening match of the 2018 World Cup against Portugal.

The Spanish Football Federation became passive when coach Lopetegui accepted to lead Real Madrid, and at the same time extended his contract to lead Spain until after EURO 2020.

Zinedine Zidane's departure, after three consecutive Champions League titles, has left Real Madrid's Perez scrambling to find a replacement.

Big names like Max Allegri to Conte; from Jurgen Klopp to Joachim Low, all rejected Real Madrid. Even Tite - the head coach of the Brazilian national team, shook his head because he was only focusing on the World Cup instead of accepting Real's offer.

Surprisingly, President Perez convinced Lopetegui. It is worth mentioning that just a few days before accepting Real Madrid's offer, Lopetegui extended his contract to lead Spain until after EURO 2020.

There was no other choice but to immediately fire Lopetegui and appoint Fernando Hierro. Former national team captain Hierro only had a short coaching time, with the small club Oviedo and was fired, his coaching experience was just zero.

He was Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Real Madrid in the 2014-15 season, and was no help. “Spain’s performance at the 2018 World Cup was like a sketch by Picasso. It was a disgraceful performance. They deserve to return to Madrid soon,” said one Spanish fan after the defeat.

One cannot see any typical style of play from the Spanish team, the most successful team in history with 3 consecutive major championships (Euro 2008, 2012 and World Cup 2010).

79% possession, 1,029 accurate passes after 120 minutes, 25 shots, outstanding statistics, but the fact is that Spain did not know what to do against Russia's good distance-keeping squad. Many people assert that, with their class, players like Diego Costa, Koke, Silva can do better in the finishing stage.

With no tactical ideas, poor thinking and no use of men, Hierro turned Spain into a hodgepodge. A team cannot win by simply passing the ball back and forth in the middle of the pitch without having any shot after 10 minutes of weaving.

Spain lack a link, a top-class "number 10" behind Diego Costa, who can create a breakthrough to convert ball possession into dangerous opportunities. I wonder why coach Hierro keeps 2 defensive midfielders when he needs a goal?

Don't believe the tears

Despite our sympathy for Russia, we are among the few fans who think goalkeeper Akinfeev and his teammates will only make it past the group stage. Only 26% of Russian fans believe that, and only 8% believe that Russia can make it past the round of 16.

Many people also believe that when they know the Russian team will face the Spanish team, this confidence rate will be even lower.

An aerial battle between Russian players against Spain. Photo: Internet

As the "underdog" team, and being taken the lead by the opponent (Ignashevich's own goal in the 12th minute), the Russian team fought hard and managed to equalize the score near the end of the first half and they tried their best to bring the match to penalties.

"Russian Bear" fought with more than 100% of their inherent ability, they ran, ran a lot so that Spain could not overcome the curse to win the World Cup host country.

The credit goes toCoach CherchesovandGoalkeeper Akinfeev became the hero when he successfully saved twice, helping Russia win 4-3, getting a ticket to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since becoming an independent country.

The Russian team (including the former Soviet Union) reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in more than 30 years. President Putin was unable to attend the Luzhniki Stadium due to work, so he watched the match on TV and immediately called to congratulate coach Stanislav Cherchesov and his team on their victory.

As for us, the Russian patriots and the Russian team, we were…in tears!