Capello Blames Laser Pointer For Loss

Fabio Capello has tried to blame a few incidents for Russia’s World Cup exit at the group stage in a move that has been heavily criticised. Russia were on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup, but they needed to get a victory against Algeria in the final group match. Capello’s men, however, could only manage 1-1 draw in the match, and as a result, bowed out of the competition. Since the Euro 2008, Russia have not been performing well in major international tournaments and the trend has continued with the World Cup 2014 as well.

Despite this, Capello maintained that pressure played extremely well in the match. He pointed out to the laser beam that was pointed at the eye of goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev as the reason for the goal that they conceded. Russia had taken the lead as early as in the sixth minute through Kokorin. Like every other Capello team, they went into defensive mode since then. The Europeans ultimately paid the ultimate price in the 60th minute when Algeria equalised from a set piece. This is likely to infuriate the Russian top officials, who have already been of the opinion that Capello is receiving a lot of salary.

The former England manager is believed to be earning more than £ 6 million per year. “We played an excellent game. I qualified your national team to the World Cup and European Championships. We reached the last 16 [in South Africa] and it was because of us that goalline technology came in. The figures say I did a pretty good job. OK? Russia had also not qualified for the World Cup in 12 years,” said Capello.

He also said that he is happy to stay as the national team manager of Russia if the Russian Federation wants him.