Spain breaks World Cup passing record

Argentina's record for the most passes completed in a World Cup match has been smashed by Spain, playing the host at Russia 2018.

Spain set a new record for the most successful passes in a World Cup match as it was taken to extra time by Russia in the last 16.

Spain set a new record for the most successful passes in a World Cup match as it was taken to extra time by Russia in the last 16.

An early Sergei Ignashevich own goal had Spain on track to reach the quarterfinals, but Artem Dzyuba levelled from the penalty spot.

Argentina held the previous record of 703 successful passes in a World Cup match against Greece in 2010, although Opta has only collected this data since 1966.

Spain's 779 passes smashed that record but it was unable to break the determined host down at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Captain Sergio Ramos attempted 150 passes over the 90 minutes, followed by Koke's 127, with Isco and Jordi Alba also passing three figures.

But despite recording 78.2 per cent possession in Moscow, Spain could not find a way to break down Russia as the tie entered extra time.