Russia's World Cup elimination blamed on laser beam
Table of Contents
Russia coach Fabio Capello has blamed a laser beam directed at goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev as the reason for why his team out of the 2014 World Cup.
Russia and Algeria drew 1-1 in their final Group H game in Curitiba on Thursday with the African side advancing at the expense of Capello's team.
The Russians took the lead thanks to Aleksandr Kokorin's sixth-minute goal, but Islam Slimani equalised after 60 minutes to send Algeria through to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Akinfeev protested furiously as he failed to reach a free-kick which was headed home by Slimani to earn Algeria a point.
The goalkeeper complained of a laser that had been directed at his face from the stands while the stadium erupted and smoke billowed out.
Television images showed what appeared to be a green laser beam flashing across the goalkeeper's body, including his eye, just before conceding the goal.
"He was blinded by the laser beam, that is the absolute truth. There are pictures. You can see that in the footage," Capello said afterwards.
"This not an excuse, it is a fact. There was a laser. I have never come up with excuses to get by in my entire life."
Russia and Algeria drew 1-1 in their final Group H game in Curitiba on Thursday with the African side advancing at the expense of Capello's team.
The Russians took the lead thanks to Aleksandr Kokorin's sixth-minute goal, but Islam Slimani equalised after 60 minutes to send Algeria through to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Akinfeev protested furiously as he failed to reach a free-kick which was headed home by Slimani to earn Algeria a point.
The goalkeeper complained of a laser that had been directed at his face from the stands while the stadium erupted and smoke billowed out.
Television images showed what appeared to be a green laser beam flashing across the goalkeeper's body, including his eye, just before conceding the goal.
"He was blinded by the laser beam, that is the absolute truth. There are pictures. You can see that in the footage," Capello said afterwards.
"This not an excuse, it is a fact. There was a laser. I have never come up with excuses to get by in my entire life."
Open an account with bet365 today and claim your 100% Deposit Bonus!