FILE PHOTO: Football Soccer - Russia Training - FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 - Spartak Stadium, Moscow, Russia - June 20, 2017 Russia's Fyodor Smolov during training REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
(Reuters) - Russia striker Fyodor Smolov has undergone a dramatic career turnaround from laughing stock to national icon and his under-performing nation will look to him to fire them out of World Cup Group A and avoid an embarrassing early exit as hosts.
Smolov looked like he would never fulfil his early promise after a measly return of five league goals in his first seven years as a professional and he hit a low when he was relegated with Anzhi Makhachkala in 2014.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
