Shropshire Star

What would Russia’s victory look like if it was told through gifs?

A boring start, but an electrifying end.

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Russia have progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in a 4-3 penalties victory over Spain.

The game was cagey and slow, leaving some fans to complain of boredom. To liven it up, they took to social media to share their frustration.

Here’s how the game went, in gif form.

Kickoff

Here We Go Batman GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

It’s all or nothing for both nations.

Own goal from Russia in the 10th minute gives Spain an early lead

Ignashevish bowls over Ramos in the box and loses control of his feet. In goes the goal from the back of his heel. Spain 1 – Russia 0.

Spain dominates possession, but neither team manages to set the crowd at home alight.

The boredom is punctuated with a penalty to Russia for Pique’s handling of the ball.

Russia made good on the opportunity, drawing equal in the 41st minute.

Half time comes and goes, and fans begin to express boredom again.

The next 45 minutes can only be described as a particular form of purgatory for football fans. No goals, but everything on the line for the teams involved.

The only thing of note is a booking for Golovin for a tackle from behind on Alba.

At full time, neither teams have pulled ahead, signalling 30 minutes of extra time.

Goals still failed to materialise despite both team bringing on their fourth subs, allowed under new rules.

Like buses, fans waited for goals to come, then a penalty shoot-out ensured they would be seeing some. Fans were on tenterhooks.

Spain win the toss and Iniesta slots the first goal home.

Smolov, Pique and Iganshevich all do their duty, bringing the score to 2-2.

Then comes disaster for Spain’s Koke, as Akinfeev manages a master save.

Golovin, Ramos and Chryshev all score. 4-3.

Last chance for Spain with Aspas, who is foiled by an incredible save by Akinfeev’s feet.

Cue hero-worship of the Russian goalkeeper as the hosts progress to the next stage of the World Cup.

It was over. 3-4 to Russia on penalties.

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