Spain break World Cup passing record but not Russia's resolve
Argentina's record for the most passes completed in a World Cup match has been smashed by La Roja, but it will be cold comfort after they were beaten in Moscow.
Spain set a new record for the most successful passes in a World Cup match as they were taken to extra time by Russia in the last 16.
An early Sergei Ignashevich own goal had Spain on track to reach the quarter-finals, 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 they were unable to break the determined hosts 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 with the hosts going through to the quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out.