Russia

3.19

• 
  6

  1

  4.00

  Igor Akinfeev

  Completely bossed matters between the posts, repelling whatever Portugal could throw at him with a few fantastic saves. Confident when dealing with the high ball as well.

• 
  4

  0

  3.50

  Alexander Anyukov

  Was given the unenviable job of marking Ronaldo on the flanks, but stuck to his task admirably. Made it extremely hard for the Real Madrid man to find a way through, and was not afraid to ruffle his feathers with a few meaty challenges.

• 
  6

  0

  4.00

  Sergey Ignashevich Top of the Match

  An absolute rock in the heart of the Russian defence. Made interception after interception, and was often the one man standing between a Portuguese player and a clear sight on goal. Always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to snuff out danger.

• 
  3

  0

  3.50

  Vasiliy Berezutskiy

  Marked Postiga completely out of the game, and showed no hesitation when going in strong in the challenge. Formed a formidable partnership with Ignashevich in defence, and was a key factor in shutting out the visitors.

• 
  3

  0

  3.00

  Dmitriy Kombarov

  Rode his luck time and time again in the first half as he allowed Nani a lot of space to get a cross into the box. He solidified himself admirably after the break though, and put himself about with a lot more authority.

• 
  3

  1

  3.50

  Igor Denisov

  Like most of his team-mates, he worked hard in his own half to pressure Portugal on the ball. A few clever time-wasting ploys late in the second half worked to his side’s advantage.

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Roman Shirokov

  Very resourceful in the rare moments when he was able to get on the ball. Set up his side’s goal with a quickly released pass that picked out Kerzhakov to score. Worked hard in his own half to close down the space in front of the Portuguese players as well.

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Vladimir Bystrov

  His attacking play was hit or miss as Lopes often had the better of him. What stood out though was his defensive contribution, as he tracked back time and time again to make a number of crucial tackles and interceptions. A selfless display.

• 
  3

  0

  2.50

  Viktor Faizulin

  Did not find many opportunities to probe or create as Russia were starved of the ball for long periods during his time on the pitch. Taken off for the second half.

• 
  4

  0

  3.00

  Aleksandr Kerzhakov

  Timed his run well and placed his finish to perfection to score the only goal of the game. Toiled up front otherwise, often feeding off scraps as Russia were not able to get much going in the offensive third at times.

• 
  3

  1

  3.00

  Aleksandr Kokorin

  A key part in Russia’s transition game, as his pace on the break was one of the few avenues forward for the hosts, especially in the second half.

Substitutions

• 
  2

  1

  3.00

  Andrey Eschenko

  Helped to solidify the defence after his introduction.

• 
  2

  1

  2.50

  Denis Glushakov

  Did not find himself in possession often after he was brought on for the second half.

Portugal

2.75

• 
  2

  2

  3.00

  Rui Patricio

  No chance for Kerzhakov’s goal, but was solid otherwise.

• 
  1

  3

  3.00

  Bruno Alves

  An imperious figure in the air, as he was able to dominate the high ball in his own box, while getting on the end of a few promising set-pieces at the other end of the pitch. He was exposed along with Pepe for Russia’s goal however, as he was nowhere to be found when Kerzhakov raced clear.

• 
  2

  4

  2.50

  Fabio Coentrao

  Lasted only 20 minutes before succumbing to injury, with Lopes coming on in his place.

• 
  3

  6

  3.00

  Pepe

  His positioning was very suspect all game, as clearly shown when he was caught high up the pitch for Russia’s opener. However, he was otherwise quick to recover his ground, and his physicality in the air was virtually unmatched.

• 
  3

  2

  3.50

  João Pereira

  Supported Nani on the right well, giving the winger an option whenever the Russia markers crowded him out. He took a no nonsense approach to defending as well, always quick to clear away from danger rather than trying to play his way out of trouble.

• 
  5

  4

  3.50

  Joao Moutinho

  A typically composed and intelligent display right at the heart of the Portuguese midfield. He kept things ticking with an impressive range of passing, and always seemed to know the right place to distribute the ball.

• 
  2

  2

  3.00

  Miguel Veloso

  Quick to get back deep in his own half on the rare occasions when Russia looked to break, and he broke up his fair share of attacks. His passing, however, was not always up to required standard as a few promising counter attacks were halted at his feet.

• 
  5

  5

  3.00

  Nani

  It seemed that every Portugal attack in the first half was channelled through the feet of Nani, but that did not necessarily work in the visitors’ favour. Though he was often able to better Kombarov out wide, his final ball left a lot to be desired.

• 
  1

  2

  2.50

  Rubén Micael

  A rather flat performance in midfield. Could not provide much thrust as other players were able to step up and assume the creative burden, and was not much help off the ball either.

• 
  15

  11

  2.00

  Cristiano Ronaldo

  Much of the pre-match talk centred around his sprained shoulder in the Clasico, and perhaps it was a rash decision to rush him back into the starting lineup, as he looked decidedly out of sync in attack. Often forced the issue when on the ball, and as the match wore on, he became more desperate, with a series of snap shots that were blocked by the Russian defence.

• 
  3

  5

  1.50

  Hélder Postiga Flop of the Match

  Another anonymous display on the international stage for the Zaragoza man. He barely had a touch on the ball, never mind a sight on goal. Put out of his misery as Bento hauled him off in the second half.

Substitutions

• 
  1

  1

  3.00

  Miguel Lopes

  Hardly put a foot wrong at the back after replacing the injured Conetrao in an unfamiliar left-back role. He matched Bystrov stride for stride and generally locked down his flank.

• 
  1

  1

  2.50

  Éder

  Looked disjointed when on the ball in his spell off the bench.

• 
  2

  1

  2.50

  Silvestre Varela

  Try as he might, he could not find a way through on the flanks.