Spain were knocked out of the World Cup by Russia on Sunday, one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far.
Despite taking the lead in the Luzhniki Stadium, a penalty from Artem Dzyuba drew the hosts level before half-time. After that, Russia set about frustrating the 2010 world champions, sitting deep and hoping to pick them off on the counter-attack.
Spain dominated possession, clocking up in excess of 1,000 passes. Chances, however, were restricted, with the game ending 1-1 after extra-time. Missed spot-kicks from Koke and Iago Aspas allowed Russia, who scored all their penalties, to progress to the quarter-finals.
David De Gea appeared to be agonisingly close to saving at least two Russian penalties in the shoot-out, marking the end of a disappointing tournament for him. He was criticised for his failure to make a routine save to deny Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain’s opening game with Portugal and failed to saved just one of the seven shots he faced in Russia. He was also singled out for his poor distribution during the game in Moscow on Sunday.
⚽️💨 Seven shots faced
👐❌ Six goals concededNot the numbers David De Gea is used to…#ESPRUS pic.twitter.com/5hPKNic3kj
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2018
With Spain heading home, De Gea took to Twitter on Monday to post an honest response to La Roja’s premature exit.
‘To whom supported, suffered and criticised us with respect, thanks,’ he wrote. ‘We’re fucked but we’ll get up again and never give up.’
Para quienes apoyasteis, criticasteis con respeto y sufristeis con nosotros, gracias. Estamos jodidos pero nos levantaremos y no dejaremos de intentarlo 🇪🇸
To whom supported, suffered and criticised us with respect, thanks. We're fucked but we'll get up again and never give up. pic.twitter.com/es4NBr05CD— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 2, 2018
De Gea is now expected to rest before rejoining Manchester United ahead of the new season later this summer. Prior to the tournament, he was again linked with a move to Real Madrid, although appears set to remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.
