Support The Moscow Times!

Goalkeeper Akinfeev Blinded By Lasers During Crucial Goal, Capello Says

Algeria's Islam Slimani (2nd L) scores past Russia's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev (L) during the World Cup Group H match on Thursday.

Russia's goalkeeper was 'blinded' by lasers for the decisive goal scored by Algeria which sent his team out of the World Cup, coach Fabio Capello said Thursday.

Russia and Algeria drew 1-1 in their final Group H game with the African side advancing at the expense of Capello's team.

Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev failed to reach a cross which was headed home by Islam Slimani in the 60th minute to earn Algeria a point.

Television images showed what appeared to be green laser beams flashing across the keeper's body as he tried to reach the cross.

"Our goalkeeper was affected by a laser 10 seconds before the goal. He was blinded by a laser, there are photos, films of it," Capello said.

"I'm not looking for excuses. I accept defeats," added the Italian.

Akinfeev made a blunder in the opening Group H game against South Korea, letting in a shot from Lee Keun-ho to allow the Asian side take the lead in the 1-1 draw.

Use of lasers by fans is an increasingly common problem in North African football.

Last year, the second leg of the African Champions League final in Cairo between Egypt's Al-Ahly and South Africa's Orlando Pirates was badly affected by green lasers beamed into players faces.

See also:

Russia's World Cup Stint Over After Algeria Draw

Russian World Cup Coach Capello Backs Blundering Goalkeeper

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more