Moscow: Hosts Russia beat Spain 4-3 on penalties, thanks to two saves by their goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev on Sunday to advance to the World Cup quarter finals and send thousands of ecstatic Russians to the streets to celebrate.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper saved Koke's and Iago Aspas's spot-kicks after both teams had scored two apiece in Russia's first-ever World Cup penalty shoot-out.

"Players will not do things just because the coach says so. They have to feel it and they did it," said Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov.

"To be a strong team is one thing, but you have to be the best on the pitch. Tonight, we were that team at the right place at the right time," added the coach, who had received a phone call from President Vladimir Putin a few hours before the game.

"In the second half, we were trying to defend. We were hoping for penalties and that's what happened. Thank God," 'keeper Akinfeev said.

"We were lucky as well. But no doubt, we are having a fantastic World Cup."

WORLD CUP ROUND OF 16

RUSSIA  5 (1)
SPAIN  4 (1)