Igor Akinfeev - The Russian whom Spain will remember for long

Russia sensationally knocked Spain out of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday and the man responsible for keeping Spain at bay was 32-year-old goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

After a mediocre outing in the 2014 World Cup, captain Akinfeev stepped up to the moment and has successfully led his side into the last-eight of the 2018 World Cup, the nation's best ever performance at the quadrennial event.

Host Russia sensationally dumped Spain out of the FIFA World Cup by clinching their round-of-16 tie via a penalty shootout on Sunday. And the man responsible for denying Spain was the 32-year-old goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev.

READ: Russia dumps Spain out of World Cup, Akinfeev the hero in shootout

Akinfeev was at his best on the evening and made two stunning saves to deny Koke and Iago Aspas in the penalty shootout to steer his team to the quarterfinal.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 01: Igor Akinfeev of Russia saves an shot by Andres Iniesta of Spain during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Spain and Russia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Akinfeev began his club career with Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow in 2003 and has remained with the side since, becoming one of the most decorated players of the club. He has made over 500 appearances in 15 years and has won many an accolade, including six Russian Premier League titles, six Russian Cups, as well as the UEFA Cup in 2005.

It was celebration time at the Luzhniki stadium for the host. #RUS#FIFAWorldCup2018#ESPRUSpic.twitter.com/AzInqk6SpK

— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 1, 2018

 

The custodian made his debut for the national team aged 18 years and 20 days, making him the third youngest player to play for Russia. On November 14 2015, he broke his clean sheet record with his 233rd career shutout in Russia's 1-0 win over Portugal.

RUS vs ESP - Key highlights

After a mediocre outing in the 2014 World Cup, captain Akinfeev stepped up to the moment and has successfully led his side into the last-eight of the 2018 World Cup, the nation's best ever performance at the quadrennial event.