Mixed reactions trail Spain’s World Cup exit.
Hosts Russia eliminated Spain from the tournament in a last-16 penalty shootout, as Andres Iniesta retires from international football. For Real Madrid playmaker Isco, it is the saddest day of his career.
“Today is the saddest day of my career,” he posted on Instagram. “But, this is football and it doesn’t stop, life doesn’t stop. It’s time to get up as we have always done and show pride in defending our country.”
Spain elimination is one that Pique – who won his 100th cap against Iran – won’t forget easily, because he gave Russia the golden chance in their last-16 game, with a clear handball late in the first half, and the penalty was converted by Artem Dzyuba. This would serve as the worst goodbye for Pique who announced it would be his last World Cup in 2016. “The next World Cup will be my last competition with Spain, the controversy of today is one of many and what I’m saying isn’t in the heat of the moment,” he said.
“I have thought a lot about things and I’m sorry but I won’t play with the national team when the World Cup in Russia has finished.”
Photo Credit: Getty
