Russian defender Sergei Ignashevich suffered the misfortune of becoming the oldest-ever scorer of an own goal at the World Cup, when the 38-year-old turned into his own net in the last 16 clash against Spain at Luzhniki.
Ignashevich’s own goal went in off his heel as he was falling to the floor while wrestling with Spanish captain Sergio Ramos during a free-kick cross. It handed Spain a 12th-minute lead at Luzhniki Stadium.
After the self-inflicted strike, social media users were quick to criticize the Russian veteran for what many felt was a schoolboy error.
What kind of defending was that from Ignashevic? All that experience and he defending like a little school boy..
— Brandon (@IamLizardking0) July 1, 2018
Dire defending from Ignashevic - wasn’t interested in the ball at all and deservedly punished. #Rus #Spa #BBCFootball
— Ben Stone (@MrBenStone) July 1, 2018
Ignashevic fighting UFC type with Ramos #WorldCup
— Abbey (@abbeism007) July 1, 2018
That's just inexperience from 38-year old Ignashevich. With time and some more minutes under his belt, he won't need to foul Ramos and give away a goal.
— Sam Lesser (@samrlesser89) July 1, 2018
It was the 10th own goal at Russia 2018 – already a record.
What’s with the own goals in this World Cup? We’ve had 10 already. The previous record was 6 in 98. Looks like Own Goal is a shoe in for the Golden Shoe.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 1, 2018
CSKA defender Ignashecich is two weeks short of his 39th birthday, and was recalled to the team to fill a defensive crisis after injuries to key players.
He was also involved in a bizarre goal in the group stage defeat to Uruguay, when he maneuvered players from his own defensive wall out of the way, allowing Luis Suarez to fire home.
His own goal against Spain saw him overtake the previous record set by Noel Valladares of Honduras, who turned into his own net against France in 2014 aged 37.