A Russian supporter celebrates the victory in Moscow city centre. Photo: Reuters
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https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2153350/ecstatic-russians-pour-streets-after-historic-world-cup-win-over-former Football
Ecstatic Russians pour onto the streets after historic World Cup win over former champions Spain
Russians party in the centre of Moscow after their team beat Spain to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time since the Soviet era
Russian supporters react during the broadcast of the World Cup win over Spain. Photo: Reuters
Most Russian fans just hoped that this World Cup team would not embarrass themselves at a home tournament. Now they are ecstatically flooding the streets to celebrate a massive upset with hopes for more.
Russians partied loudly in the centre of Moscow on Sunday night after their team beat Spain to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time since the Soviet era.
Even those who lost money on the game were cheering.
“I’m proud to be Russian and I’m proud to be at this celebration,” said Nikolai, who didn’t give his surname. “I will tell my grandchildren and my children that I was here, that we beat Spain, and I’m proud of this. It will always be in my heart.” 
Russia fans celebrate at Red Square in Moscow. Photo: AFP
Fans climbed lamp posts to cheer and some wore false moustaches in imitation of coach Stanislav Cherchesov. One said he’d bet 1,000 rubles (US$16) on Spain but was happy to lose.
The celebrations crossed political divides too.
“YEEEEESSS! We need to announce a series of protests demanding (goalkeeper Igor) Akinfeev is made a Hero of Russia,” wrote opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who has spent numerous stretches in detention over his involvement in protests against president Vladimir Putin’s government.
One of Navalny’s campaign staff, Ruslan Shaveddinov, messaged that everyone should head out onto the streets to celebrate, adding a hashtag which translated to “for a tweet like this you can get (sentenced to) 30 days.”
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Russia soccer fans celebrate their team victory against Spain in Red Square. Photo: AP
Russia’s usually strict laws against unsanctioned public gatherings have been effectively suspended for World Cup celebrations, with Nikolskaya Street in central Moscow transformed into an around-the-clock space for fans to party. Police there even turned a blind eye to drinking on the street, which would usually attract a fine.