With Miranchuk it's easier

The question of the game was how Russia could find a way to harm the Finnish defense and Cherchesov pulled an ace up his sleeve. Miranchuk, who was a substitute against Belgium, changed the face of the national team. It was not the only adjustment regarding the grotesque debut. Safonov was the new goalkeeper and the scheme mutated to a 5-3-2, with Barinov as right central and in charge of organizing the plays.

For its part, Finland applied the same style as against Denmark, but the result against forced him to risk (three shots in the first half and seven in the second). Until then, they defended the area as best they could and Pohjanpalo led the attack. In fact, in the fifth minute he scored again with a header, but the VAR canceled it for offside. It was not the only occasion in the first half that they did not take advantage of.

Russia looked dominating but the memory of the Danish helplessness of Saturday weighed down a bit. Dzyuba was a constant danger and Miranchuk, along with Golovin, appeared from the second row. The lanes were also important in attack. Not surprisingly, Mario Fernandes suffered a spinal injury in the penalty area after attempting to head off a hanging cross in a highly eventful game.

Faced with the intimidating Finnish area, Miranchuk put his cool. When the Russians seemed to get frustrated, received in the front, combined with Dzyuba who acted as a pivot and after a cut he put her with the left to the furthest squad. The goal changed the game and the spirits of Russia, which could already feel better on the scoreboard.

Finland tried to turn to the attack to look for the tie that would qualify them for the round of 16, but they simply did not give more of themselves. Soon they were unable to score a goal due to more instability suggested by the rival defense. In fact, Hradecky saved the second goal. Belgium awaits them on the last day knowing that if they lose, the only option is to fight for the best goal possible.