Russian national team striker Ivan Sergeev gave an interview to Match TV after the match against Peru.
- You manage the game well in the penalty area. However, when the goalkeeper saved the ball, it wasn't possible to score. Was it necessary to emphasize accuracy, not strength?
- Lyosha Batrakov made a pass to me, and I cheated the defender and saw the goalkeeper and two defenders standing in front of the goal. That's why I gave a strong blow. Unfortunately, the ball didn't go into the goal.
- As can be seen from the close-up, you yourself were surprised that the ball didn't hit the net.
- No, it's football. Sometimes you hit, sometimes you miss. I look at this calmly.
- The Peruvian team was described as a rough and uncomfortable team before the game. Were they really like that?
- Yes, I completely agree. They played very roughly in some situations and acted aggressively. But we were ready for anything. Unfortunately, we couldn't win, but overall, I think we didn't fall behind them.
- What can you say about the goal scored by our team? It was a mistake between an experienced goalkeeper and a defender.
- We apply pressure in every game, and this time it was the same. Anything could have happened on the field. Therefore, we pressured the Peruvians and forced them to make a mistake. Sasha Golovin scored after a pass from Lyosha Miranchuk.
- The Russian national team hasn't played in St. Petersburg for two and a half years. This stadium is familiar to you. What emotions did this game evoke?
- When I was first called up to the national team, there was a match against Cyprus, which was also held in St. Petersburg. We won 5:0.
Besides, I played for Zenit for almost three years, so this stadium is a special place for me. I also scored my last goal against Zenit in the same game here.
It's always pleasant to play in large stadiums; if we're in St. Petersburg today, the next game will be in Sochi. Most importantly, many fans will come and support us in every game.
Today, in the 90th minute, no one left the stadium; everyone was waiting for the winning goal. Unfortunately, we couldn't score a goal. Many thanks to all the fans who came today. I also express special gratitude to those who supported us on television.
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