Spain player ratings against Russia

Spain are out. Russia, the hosts, bettered Spain's effort from 12 yards as they won the penalty shootout following 120 minutes of Spain struggling to break down the Russian's defensive wall.

Here is how the Spanish team rated against Russia:

DE GEA (4)

He can't be blamed for the goal Russia scored during normal time as it came from the penalty spot. However his efforts in the penalty shootout itself left a lot to be desired. He seemed to be close enough to stop at least one but in the end, conceded every spot kick. All in all a disastrous World Cup for De Gea.

NACHO (4)

Brought back into the side to cover for the more attacking Marco Asensio but didn't scale the heights he did against Portugal. Offered next to nothing in attack but that might have been due to the heavy knock he took early on. Replaced by Carvajal.

PIQUÉ (5)

There wasn't a great deal for him to do, defensively, but Russia got back into the match because of his error. He didn't need to leave his arm in the air after the ball went over his head. The referee had no doubts about awarding a penalty for the hosts. He was later fouled in the box but this time the referee, and VAR, said no. Pique scored his spot kick.

RAMOS (6)

Ramos seemed like the most adventurous of the defenders. He was strong and assured at the back, except for one error which almost gave Russia a chance to counter. He forced the own goal but celebrated like it was his own. Ramos scored his penalty in the shootout as well.

JORDI ALBA (5)

It wasn't an easy afternoon for the full backs as Russia's deep defence offered no room for his traditional runs in behind. He was instead forced to cut back inside and keep hold of possession rather than take risks. This was true of the entire team though.

BUSQUETS (6)

Everything seemed to go through him but at the same time, lacked the spark to make something happen. Largely just kept the ball moving sideways.

KOKE (3)

The Atletico man was brought in to help solidify the midfield alongside Busquets and he did that. However he opted for the safe option on practically every occasion and this meant Spain didn't move forward. Missed his spot kick.

ISCO (6)

Arguably Spain's man of the tournament, although there isn't much competition, and he looked the most likely to make something happen against Russia. Desperate to move forward, take on his man and free up space for others. In the end he ran out of energy and like his teammates, seemed to accept their fate of going to a penalty shootout.

SILVA (3)

Iniesta was sacrificed instead of him in the starting XI but Silva, once again, was extremely poor. We all know the quality he possesses but Silva looked nervous on the ball and gave it away far too often. A tournament to forget for the Manchester City man.

ASENSIO (4)

Everyone thought his inclusion would see Spain come out of their shell a little more but his pace and directness didn't have any impact on Russia's backline. Provided the assist for Spain's goal, but was largely anonymous.  

DIEGO COSTA (4)

Isolated in attack, there wasn't much Costa could do. He fought as you'd expect him to but without anyone near him, or going past him, he was on a hiding to nothing. Needed support.

INIESTA (6)

A fresh Iniesta came on and found pockets of space his teammates couldn't. He wasn't able to make a significant change on the scoreline but he did force Russia into making a smart save. Deserved a better send off than this but scored his spot kick.

CARVAJAL (5)

With a license to go forward and abandon his defensive responsibilities, Carvajal offered more than Nacho and got into the box to feed off the small scraps which fell his way.

IAGO ASPAS (5)

The Celta Vigo forward brought much needed energy to the attack and certainly made Russia more uncomfortable with his presence up there. Perhaps guilty of trying too hard at times but he's deserving of a chance to start matches beyond this tournament.

RODRIGO (6)

It feels disappointing that Rodrigo has spent so little time out on the pitch for Spain at the World Cup. Unlike Asensio, who prefers to play a little deeper, Rodrigo's pace was the perfect outlet for Spain during extra time. He was involved in Spain's best move, fabricated entirely by himself, and almost grabbed the winner. Akinfeev was able to pull off a fine save to deny him.