Even more so after his penalty shootout heroics as Russia defeated Spain in the World Cup last 16 on Sunday. The Moscow-born one-club man is captaining his side at his home nation's World Cup. Alexey Smertin, who is the Russian Football Union anti-racism and discrimination inspector, spoke of his status within Russia and he thinks that Akinfeev's career remains one to be proud of.
Igor is one of the most experienced players in this team. With such a goalkeeper behind you always feel more confident. He's a real captain. Despite the geopolitical tensions, Utkin hopes a potential Russian face-off with Ukraine could have a soothing effect. Your donation to The Moscow Times directly supports the last independent English-language news source within Russia. Support The Moscow Times! Contribute today. By Pjotr Sauer. Pjotr Sauer p. Read more about: Football.
The Dynamo Moscow captain, Anton Shunin, is set to start. Defence is also a problem. Russia are well-stocked in central midfield — there are several defensive, box-to-box and playmaker options — but have slimmer pickings on the wings. Andrei Mostovoy has not been a regular starter for Zenit this season and neither has his teammate Yuri Zhirkov.
If a player brings a result today, he cannot be artificially stopped. Everything should happen naturally. The strikers are all tall, strong and not so skilful, but that seems to be the way Cherchesov likes it.
Russian World Cup hero Igor Akinfeev retires from international duty. Akinfeev: "World Cup probably the peak of my career in the national team".
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