Morocco's Manuel da Costa in action with Spain's Iago Aspas, Sergio Ramos and Rodrigo Moreno during the World Cup Group B match at Kaliningrad Stadium at Kaliningrad in Russia on Monday — Reuters KALININGRAD, Russia, June 26 (Reuters): Substitute Iago Aspas struck in stoppage-time to earn Spain a dramatic 2-2 draw with Morocco on Monday which gave them top spot in World Cup Group B and a place in the Last 16.
Spain will play Russia in the Last 16.
The Spanish equaliser was originally ruled out for offside but awarded after a lengthy review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) amid chaotic scenes on the pitch.
Spain took top spot from Portugal on goals scored after the European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran who equalized in stoppage-time with a penalty also given after consultation with the VAR.
"There was a lot of uncertainty, we didn't know we had finished top until some team mates told me," Aspas said. "The important thing is that we are through and finished top of the group.
"Everyone would have taken finishing top of the group when the draw was made, then you have to think about everything that has happened (referring to the sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui), but we have just focused on working hard."
"It will be tough game against the hosts, it will be a packed stadium," said Spain coach Fernando Hierro who took charge of the team two days before the tournament following Lopetegui's sacking.
The game was scrappy, Morocco picking up six yellow cards, and Spain lurched from indifferent to inspired throughout.
The first team eliminated from the World Cup following two 1-0 losses, Morocco started with intensity and Khalid Boutaid put them ahead in the 14th minute.
Snatching the ball from Sergio Ramos in midfield Boutaid ran through alone and coolly slotted home between the legs of David de Gea for Morocco's first goal of the World Cup and their first at the global showpiece tournament for 20 years.
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