Euro 2016: Unconvincing Russia have Vasili Berezutski to thank for last-gasp draw against England

In his formative years, Vasili Berezutski possessed a clear ambition. He wanted to be a basketball player. His tall frame would have been perfectly suited to the sport. But as the years passed by, he found another calling. Along with his twin brother Aleksei, Vasili discovered that he was more proficient than most at football, especially defending. Thereafter, both of them went on to establish successful careers at CSKA Moscow and later the Russian national side. They were part of the team that reached the semifinal at Euro 2008 too.

Vasili missed the continental championship four years later due to a thigh injury, but he returned for the 2014 World Cup. Despite representing Russia for over a decade though, he failed to score a goal at any major tournament. Six strikes in 96 appearances across friendlies and qualification matches were all Vasili had. His high reach in the air did not lead to him being an imposing figure in the opposition box.

But something changed on Saturday. After huffing and puffing to ensure Russia did not concede more than one goal to a vastly superior England, Vasili had his moment.

The way the goal came about suited his awkward manner in front of the goal. In the 92nd minute, with defeat looking a foregone conclusion, Vasili’s club colleague and fellow resident within the Russian defence establishment, Georgi Schennikov, sent a hopeful cross into the box. The veteran centre-back found himself marked by the relatively small Danny Rose. Vasili rose to meet the ball but could only give it a scruff. It looped, reluctantly, almost wishing to stay away from the goal. But its clumsy trajectory took it goalwards.

Midfielder Denis Glushakov, like many across the world, could scarcely believe the ball was going home. He touched it, just to be sure it was not a dream. The reassurance was unnecessary. The ball had beaten everyone to cross the line. Russia, after looking out of their depth all game, had something to hold. A point. A goal. For Vasili Berezutski.

Vasili did not even come close to this four years ago. But you might be forgiven for thinking that was not the case. Aleksei, who is 20 minutes older than Vasili and played at the tournament, wears almost the same face. It’s only the younger sibling’s crooked nose that marks him out.

Vasili, though, also distinguishes himself by being a more reliable executor of club and country manager Leonid Slutsky’s plans. Slutsky has been working for the Russian team without charging any fee, in addition to his coaching duties at CSKA. It’s a remarkable advantage for the national side since his familiarity with some members of the squad grants them a rare comfort in carrying out his ideas. Slutsky is known to be not a fan of a high pressing approach. This suits Vasili and his partner in central defence, Sergei Ignashevich.

While the former is 34 years old, the latter is two years older. Their seniority has left them suspect against quick opponents, as England showed time and again in Marseille. Like CSKA though, the national side has accommodated the veterans’ weakness to ensure the team can continue to benefit from their experience.

On Saturday, Russia sought to exploit the existing relationship between its back four. The top five passing combinations for the side featured only members of the defence. In fact, the most passes between two players were the 24 Ignashevich made to Vasili (courtesy: FourFourTwo Stats Zone).

The constant circulation at the back was followed by long balls to teammates in the final third as Russia sought to bypass England’s energetic pressing in the middle part of the pitch. Only four periods of possession out of 69 for Slutsky’s side began in the final third. Contrast this with 46 in the defensive third (Opta).

However, frequently misplaced passes and failed tackles hurt Russia’s cause. Consequently, England comfortably dominated the proceedings in the first half but failed to get a goal. In the second period, however, Slutsky ensured his players were more focused and the results were there to see. Russia’s possession rose from 41 in the first half to 47 by the end. Furthermore,  after making only 12 successful tackles out of 27 in the opening period, the Russian players improved to 10/18 in the latter.  England’s passing numbers in the final third as a consequence went down.

From 72 per cent successful passes, it dropped to 60 in the second half. England could attempt only 55 passes after seeking to make 75 in the first period (FourFourTwo Stats Zone).

The improvement in Russia’s performance will encourage Slutsky. The point will give belief to an injury-ravaged side that its fortunes are on an upward trail. The problem-free appearance of skipper Roman Shirokov from the bench will add to the optimism.

Vasili acknowledged the captain’s importance to the side before Russia’s tournament opener, dismissing any suggestions that he and his teammates will seek comfort in a mascot like Leo the Lion who has accompanied England’s players. “I think Roman Shirokov is our talisman. I don’t really know what you are talking about. I don’t like these little objects, these talismen (sic) —  that is not the kind of thing I like. I hope the whole team will be our talisman and our victories will be our talisman. We have 23 talismen,” Vasili told the media.

After his unlikely goal at the Stade Velodrome on Saturday, the veteran defender can certainly be identified as one.