Russia hold South Korea to 1-1 draw
Alexander Kerzhakov rescued Russia in their first World Cup finals since 2002, scoring three minutes after he came on to salvage a draw against South Korea on Wednesday morning (June 18).
This was after rival substitute Lee Keun-Ho put South Korea ahead with a 30-metre shot in the 68th minute that Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev disastrously parried over his head into the net.
Goalkeeper Akinfeev was understandably disappointed with himself after that.
The Koreans had the upper hand as the tepid first half drew to a close, their midfield putting together some neat moves, with Han Kook-Young and Sunderland’s Ki Sung-Yeung proving a handful.
The lead did not last long, though, as Russia pulled one back after a goal-mouth scramble allowed Kerzhakov to shoot from close range.
South Korea will take on Algeria on June 23 while Belgium will take on Russia on the same day.
Source: AFP, YouTube
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