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Russia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when their keeper made an incredible save on the final kick

World Cup PK save by Igor Akinfeev of Russia

  • Russia defeated Spain in the knockout stage of the World Cup, 4-3, on penalty kicks.
  • Russia's goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev, made an incredible save with his foot on Spain's final kick.
  • It is the biggest upset ever in the knockout stage and the third biggest upset overall in World Cup history.


Russia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when they defeated Spain on PKs.

The two sides were still tied, 1-1, after 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time, with Spain scoring on a Russian own goal and Russia converting a penalty after Spain committed a handball in the box. It was the first match of the tournament to go to penalty kicks.

After both teams converted their first two PKs, Russia took the lead in the third round when Igor Akinfeev stopped Koke's attempt. In the fifth round, Iago Aspas needed to convert his try to keep Spain alive.

Akinfeev made an incredible save, kicking the attempt down the middle away with his boot and sending the host nation on to the quarterfinals.

Based on Russia's ranking of 70th in the world, this match was the biggest upset ever in the knockout stage of the World Cup, and the third biggest upset overall.

Spain entered the knockout stage as one of the favorites to reach the final as the best team on the weaker side of the bracket. Instead, this side of the bracket is now wide open.

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