From no international goals to three at the World Cup — that has been the story of Russia’s Denis Cheryshev.
He arrived at the world’s biggest stage as a player of the Russian squad but will leave as the country’s prolific scorer at their home World Cup. Currently, he has now scored one less goal than the Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cheryshev did not even start Russia’s first game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, came on as a substitute for the injured Alan Dzagoev and scored twice to cement his place for the next game.
He was part of the starting XI for Russia’s clash against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and he outshone the Liverpool forward, scored another goal for his country and is now a Golden Boot contender. Denis Cheryshev had never scored a goal for Russia before the 2018 World Cup (Reuters Photo)
His first international goal was absolutely mesmerising — collecting a pass on the left of the box, he smartly flicked the ball just a little over the two defenders sliding in and then struck it to the back of the net. The Luzhniki Stadium was at its feet with the stunning touch of skill they had witnessed from one of their own.
He scored another against Saudi Arabia — a clever little goal from the outside of his foot — and on Tuesday night, his combined with two of his teammates to slot home a goal of pure quality.
It has therefore all been a dream World Cup for the 27-year-old.