Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets says it was a "cruel way to lose" as Spain were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties by Morocco on Tuesday.

Busquets was one of three Spain players to miss from the spot as La Roja exited the competition at the last 16 stage.

"It's a cruel way to lose," Busquets said. "Morocco tired as the minutes passed and we had a chance at the end, the one with Pablo Sarabia, but it was not to be. It has not come off."

At 34, there will now be questions over Busquets' international career but he did not want to discuss the issue in the wake of the defeat.

"That's not important right now," he added. "It's been a tough night but we are in a good dynamic. The group is very young. This will serve for a lot in the future."