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[monks data]
Attendance: 37,603
Russia national football team
World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 17, 2014 at 11pm UK
 
South Korea national football team

1-1

Kerzhakov (74')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Lee (68')

Player Ratings: Russia 1-1 South Korea

Sports Mole looks at which players impressed during Russia's 1-1 draw with South Korea tonight.

Russia and South Korea ended their first match of the 2014 World Cup with a point, thanks to a 1-1 draw tonight in Cuiaba.

Both sides had their moments, however an eventual draw was probably a fair result.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the 90 minutes of action.



 Russia pose for a team photo prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group H match between Russia and South Korea at Arena Pantanal on June 17, 2014© Getty Images

Russia

Goal

Igor Akinfeev: Truly awful blunder allowed South Korea to take the lead. Had looked uncomfortable prior to the goal too, and his place in the lineup could now be in doubt. (3/10)

Defence

Sergei Ignashevich: Strong at the back in most instances, Ignashevich was responsible for Russia's sole attempt in the first half. His experience is important to the team. (6/10)

Vasili Berezutski: Often guilty of thumping the ball up the field in the opening period, Berezutski improved in possession after the break. Solid enough from the team's skipper. (6/10)

Andrey Yeshchenko: During a first half which offered little, Yeshchenko at least looked ambitious to get forward. Was less involved after half time in an attacking sense. (6/10)

Dmitri Kombarov: The left-back supported the Russian attack well, particularly in the second half. On a couple of occasions, his crossing caused problems that South Korea struggled to deal with. (7/10)

Midfield

Yuri Zhirkov: The former Chelsea man showed exactly why he no longer plays for one of Europe's elite sides, with a poor performance which saw him subbed after 71 minutes. Rarely had the ball in advanced areas and when he did, he wasted it. (5/10)

Denis Glushakov: Decent display from a player who might not be in the team if captain Roman Shirokov were fit. Replaced on 72 minutes as his side looked to equalise. (6/10)

Viktor Fayzulin: Displayed a range of passing that was rarely matched by his teammates. The Zenit St Petersburg midfielder was one of the better performers from the starting lineup. (6/10)

Oleg Shatov: With just seven caps, Shatov was the least experienced man in the starting XI. Was booked for a poor tackle early in the second half, before being subbed before the hour mark. (5/10)

Aleksandr Samedov: Took two threatening corners in the first half, but did little of note other than that. A very average display. (5/10)

Attack

Aleksandr Kokorin: An inability to hold up the ball and bring others into play could see him dropped in favour of Aleksandr Kerzhakov before the tournament ends. Was beaten in the air too easily and never looked like scoring. (5/10)

Substitutes

Alan Dzagoev: An injury-hit campaign and therefore lack of fitness probably kept him out of the starting lineup, but once he was on the pitch he was the best player. Influential in Russia's goal and positive whenever in possession. (8/10)

Aleksandr Kerzhakov: Although Kokorin is seen as the future of the team, Kerzhakov's experience still counts for a lot in these important games. Grabbed the equaliser after scoring neat footwork in the six-yard box. (7/10)

Igor Denisov: Replaced Glushakov just before they levelled matters, but had little impact as the team pressed for the win. (5/10)



Members of the South Korean national team pose prior to a Group H football match between Russia and South Korea in the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 17, 2014© Getty Images

South Korea

Goal

Jung Sung-Ryong: Like his opposite number, Jung failed to deal with shots from distance comfortably. Could do little about the goal but did make one fantastic punch from a dangerous cross. (6/10)

Defence

Yun Suk-Young: Provided decent support down the left each time South Korea went forward. Dealt comfortably with most of what was thrown at him defensively. (6/10)

Kim Young-Gwon: Easily dealt with Kokorin, especially in the first half. Was rarely tested by a threat in behind, making it a straight forward night for the Guangzhou Evergrande man. (7/10)

Lee Young: Was less of a threat than Yun on the other side, but another who coped well on the rare occasions which Russia pressed. Only 12 caps into his international career. (6/10)

Hong Jeong-Ho.: Comfortable alongside Kim against Kokorin, the team conceded within a minute of him being forced off through injury. (6/10)

Midfield

Son Heung-Min: Unsurprisingly South Korea's best player on the night, with everything good going via him. Should have done better when presented with a decent chance before half time but blasted over. (7/10)

Koo Ja-Cheoi: Probably their second best midfielder behind Son, the captain showed good adventure to get forward. Played a number of decent passes. (6/10)

Han Kook-Young: Supported the attack well on a number of occasions. Linked nicely with Son whenever he was involved further up the pitch. (6/10)

Ki Sung-Yueng: Wasn't as involved as he has been for Sunderland this season, but in no threat of losing his place in the team. Needs to improve his set piece delivery in the next game. (6/10)

Lee Chung-Yong: Another who didn't play as well as we've seen for his club, the Bolton Wanderers man was a peripheral figure for much of the game. (5/10)

Attack

Park Chu-Young: Looked shattered having barely played a minute of club football all season. A couple of neat knockdowns might not be enough for him to keep his place in the side. (5/10)

Substitutes

Lee Keun-Ho: Replaced Park after 54 minutes, scoring the game's first goal just over 10 minutes later. Did little besides the goal, but could start in Park's place against Algeria on Sunday. (6/10)

Hwang Seo-Kho: Unfortunate timing meant that he was on the field for all of 60 seconds before Russia equalised, though he cannot be blamed. Could start if Hong fails to recover from injury. (5/10)

Kim Bo-Kyung: Introduced for Son with eight minutes left. Very rarely involved. (5/10)


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Park Chu-Young of South Korea reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group H match between Russia and South Korea at Arena Pantanal on June 17, 2014
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Match Analysis: Russia 1-1 South Korea
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