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Russia’s Ignashevich becomes oldest-ever World Cup own-goal scorer

1 Jul, 2018 14:51
Russia’s Ignashevich becomes oldest-ever World Cup own-goal scorer
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© Albert Gea / Reuters

Russian defender Sergei Ignashevich suffered the misfortune of becoming the oldest-ever scorer of an own goal at the World Cup, when the 38-year-old turned into his own net in the last 16 clash against Spain at Luzhniki.

Ignashevich’s own goal went in off his heel as he was falling to the floor while wrestling with Spanish captain Sergio Ramos during a free-kick cross. It handed Spain a 12th-minute lead at Luzhniki Stadium.  

RT

After the self-inflicted strike, social media users were quick to criticize the Russian veteran for what many felt was a schoolboy error.  

It was the 10th own goal at Russia 2018 – already a record.

CSKA defender Ignashecich is two weeks short of his 39th birthday, and was recalled to the team to fill a defensive crisis after injuries to key players.

He was also involved in a bizarre goal in the group stage defeat to Uruguay, when he maneuvered players from his own defensive wall out of the way, allowing Luis Suarez to fire home.

His own goal against Spain saw him overtake the previous record set by Noel Valladares of Honduras, who turned into his own net against France in 2014 aged 37.