MOSCOW, July 1 -- Russia advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain in a dramatic round of 16 clash here.

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved the decisive spot-kick from Iago Aspas with his foot after also keeping out Koke's attempt. Denis Cheryshev, Aleksandr Golovin, Sergei Ignashevich and Fedor Smolov converted each of Russia's four efforts from the spot.

Earlier, Sergei Ignashevich struck an own goal before Artem Dzyuba equalized for Russia by converting a 41st-minute penalty. The scores were locked 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes and remained unchanged after 30 minutes of extra time.

Russia will now play the winner of the match between Croatia and Denmark in the quarterfinals in Sochi on July 7 while Spain are eliminated.

"In the second half we were trying to defend," a jubilant Akinfeev said. "We were hoping for penalties and that's what happened. We are having a fantastic World Cup."

By reaching the round of 16, the hosts were already guaranteed their best World Cup finish in the post-Soviet era. Now they will be thinking anything is possible as they capitalize on a wide-open draw and fervent support from their home fans.

It was a sad farewell to international football for Spain great Andres Iniesta, who was in tears after the match. Though his powers have waned, Iniesta gave his team a lift when he was introduced as a 67th-minute substitute for David Silva. He also converted his spot-kick in the shootout.

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