Russia vs. Korea Republic: Goals, Highlights for World Cup Group H Game
June 17, 2014Russia and Korea Republic began their World Cup campaigns with a 1-1 draw in Group H on Tuesday.
The first half an hour was a cagey affair, with neither side creating a chance of note.
Russia had the first meaningful effort on goal. Sergei Ignashevich crashed a free-kick on goal, but it was pushed away by Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong.
Korea Republic responded well, creating a few chances of their own. One of the best fell to Son Heung-min, only for this for to happen.
The two teams went into the break at 0-0.
The first real chance of the second half went to Russia's captain Vasily Berezutskiy. His powerful header was inches away from putting Russia ahead—hitting the side netting instead.
Korea were next to threaten, from a free-kick. Kim Young-gwon produced a clean strike, and it almost caught out Russia's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Akinfeev was having a shaky night and you felt a costly mistake was coming. It duly arrived when Lee Keun-ho's shot embarrassed him on 68 minutes.
Russia responded when substitute Aleksandr Kerzhakov pounced to equalise on 74 minutes.
Chances for both sides followed, but they ultimately settled for a point each.
You can read the live account of the match here.