Team Russia Scores Surprise Goal At 2018 World Cup: National Unity

(Article ©2018 RFE/RL, Inc., Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty – rferl.org – Tony Wesolowsky – July 2, 2018 – also appeared at rferl.org/a/team-russia-strikes-unexpected-goal-national-unity/29333415.html)

Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev secured the biggest upset of the 2018 World Cup, and arguably in Russia’s soccer history, with his two massive saves in a penalty shoot-out with Spain on July 1.

And the euphoric after-party he has sparked for the host nation is also one for the ages.

After Russia won the shoot-out at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium 4-3, following a 1-1 draw in regulation, fans spilled onto Russia’s streets in celebration of Akinfeev’s late-game heroics.

BBC Russian’s Nastya Golubeva was one of many to capture the electrifying environment in the Russian capital, where horn-honking drivers mingled with the jubilant, lamppost-scaling masses — many wearing false mustaches in imitation of coach Stanislav Cherchesov….