Russian keeper allows goal on shot that hits him square in the hands
- The Associated Press/Lee Jin-Man - Russia's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev covers his face after dropping the ball as South Korea's Lee Keun-ho scores the opening goal during the group H World Cup soccer
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After Mexico's Memo Ochoa made some of the best saves of this World Cup, it was only fitting that Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev would follow that up with one of the worst attempts at one. The match between Russia and South Korea was drab and scoreless through the first 67 minutes and it seemed set to continue that way when Korea's Lee Keun-Ho took a very manageable shot right at Akinfeev, who set his body behind and put his hands out to catch it. Except instead of catching it, the ball bounced off his hands, looped over his head and landed in the goal as he made a desperate dive for it.
(Yahoo Sports)
Korea couldn't believe their luck and Akinfeev instantly felt the shame of his mistake. Alexander Kerzhakov earned his never-ending gratitude when he scored just six minutes later in a goalmouth scramble, though — extending the burst of madness within an otherwise forgettable game. The match ended 1-1 and it will likely only be remembered as the one where Akinfeev became the World Cup logo facepalm.
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