Fabio Capello, the coach, was pleased Russia battled back from a goalkeeping blunder to claim a point in their World Cup Group H opener against South Korea.

Igor Akinfeev failed to catch Lee Keun-ho's long shot as the Asian side claimed a 68th-minute lead. Russia substitute Aleksandr Kerzhakov equalised shortly after in Tuesday's 1-1 draw in Cuiaba. "Goalkeepers can make mistakes like any other player and it happened to a great champion like Igor Akinfeev," said Capello. "Fortunately we were able to make up for his mistake."

Akinfeev took full responsibility for his gaffe: "I want to apologise. "It was a ridiculous goal."