Russia, South Korea share the spoils
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cuiaba, Brazil (SportsNetwork.com) - Russia and South Korea scored in quick succession to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw in Group H action on Tuesday.
It was a dull affair with few scoring chances until the final stages when South Korea and Russia struck within six minutes of one another.
The Koreans took a fortuitous lead at the 68-minute mark when Lee Keun-Ho's shot from distance was bobbled by Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and turned into the back of the net.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It seemed as though the crippling nature of the howler would leave Russia with no way back, but Fabio Capello inserted veteran striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov in the 71st minute in a managerial masterstroke.
Kerzhakov made an instant impact on the game by leveling the score in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a scramble inside the six-yard box to turn in a loose ball as the Koreans failed to clear their lines.
There was a hint of a hand ball in the build-up to the goal, but the equalizer was allowed to stand and Russia left the Arena Pantanal with a valuable point.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The result sees South Korea and Russia fall two points back of Belgium for the Group H lead.
Both nations will return to action on Sunday with South Korea taking on Algeria at the Estadio Beira-Rio and Russia squaring off with Belgium at the Maracana.