Sergio Ramos has stressed that Spain are leaving the World Cup with their "heads held high" after being beaten by hosts Russia on Sunday.
Igor Akinfeev was Russia's hero after saving penalties from Koke and Iago Aspas as La Roja were defeated 4-3 on penalties after the game had finished 1-1.
Spain's spot-kick exit caps off a tumultuous campaign, with head coach Julen Lopetegui having been dramatically sacked on the eve of the tournament and replaced with Fernando Hierro.
Ramos, however, was proud of his teammates after their defeat in Sochi, and says that they did all they could to mount a good World Cup challenge.
"We leave with our heads held high," the Real Madrid captain told Mundo Deportivo.
"They played to get to penalties from the start. It was the only way to do us damage.
"We hope this isn't the last World Cup for this generation. It's very tough to go out like this, with these players.
"I'm proud of them as captain because we put our souls into trying to win out there. We did everything possible."
Spain won the World Cup in 2010 but were knocked out at the first hurdle four years later.
