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Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES http://www.independent.co.uk
Russia’s defeat at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is now the talk of the town not just back at home where critics are calling for the coach’s resignation but also internationally.
http://www.goal.com:
It's heartbreak for Russia, whose strong defending is once again undone by a goalkeeping blunder - only this time, it's enough to send them packing.
The Sydney Morning Herald:
Defeat means Russia have still yet to qualify for the last 16 since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continues coach Fabio Capello's poor record at the World Cup after he oversaw England's 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the last 16 four years ago.
http://bleacherreport.com:
Suddenly it's Russia who are looking anxious now, their game-management approach having been left in tatters by Slimani's goal.
The Wall Street Journal:
…former England boss Fabio Capello…has taken the art of boring soccer to new nadirs amid the exciting, attack play seen elsewhere in the tournament
Despite the early lead, Capello’s plan was derailed after a header by Algeria’s Islam Slimani in the second half following a free kick. However, claims were made that goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was blinded by a laser pen just seconds before the moment. Capello later complained that the referee should have blown the whistle.
The international press seems to be divided on the issue, with some like The Sydney Morning Herald admitting the ‘keeper ‘may have been distracted’ according to TV replays.
The Daily Mirror ran a separate piece on the incident on its website, showing part of the replays, with the face of Akinfeev clearing being marked by a green laser.
According to the ‘brightest tabloid’ in the UK, “it seemed like he should have done better with the initial cross, however if the laser pen distracted him, he may not be to blame.”
The Guardian:
Algeria’s “moment of triumph was marred by controversy, with Russia’s goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev, distracted by a green laser pen shone in his face when Islam Slimani scored the crucial goal.”
In a post-match interview with Sovetsky Sport, Akinfeev, however, denied that the laser incident was the reason why he didn’t catch the ball.
As for Russian pundits, they blamed Akinfeev and Capello for the lackluster performance in Russia’s first appearance at a World Cup in 12 years.
Konstantin Genich: In terms of ball handling, Russia were the worst among all the other teams.
Georgy Cherdantsev: Capello should get back to Italy.
Vladimir Abramov: The coach has the 1-0 model and the team has to live by this formula. Obviously, Russia do not have the capacity to score more than one goal.
Author: Mikhail Vesely
