Cuiaba: Alexander Kerzhakov rescued Russia in their first World Cup finals match since 2002, scoring three minutes after coming on as substitute to salvage a 1-1 draw against South Korea on Tuesday (Wednesday in India).
The Zenit St Petersburg striker was brought on after rival substitute Lee Keun-Ho put South Korea ahead with a 30-metre shot that Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev disastrously parried over his head into the net.
The result left both countries trailing Belgium who head the Group H table after beating Algeria 2-1 earlier.
Russia, who will host the 2018 finals, were looking to make an impact in their landmark return. They owed their saved honour to Kerzhakov who scored his 26th international goal.
Russia came out fighting in the second half with two quick chances from Victor Fayzulin and skipper Vasily Berezutski.
Down at the other end, Akinfeev did well to deny Koo’s potent drive.
In a bid to shake things up Korean coach Hong Myung-Bo, captain of the side that finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup, introduced prolific striker Lee for Park, and it proved a useful switch.
On 68 minutes, Lee broke the deadlock in style, charging towards the Russian box, rounding a defender to shoot right-footed. Akinfeev looked devastated after at first seeming to halt the ball but then watching in horror as it went over his head.
Russia pulled back level when Kerzhakov, after coming on for Yury Zhirkov, pounced on the ball after a goalmouth scramble to shoot from close range. (AFP)
