Öffentlicher Bereich » defender Nat Borchers, who saw his header cle

CUIABA, Brazil -- Blundering Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was bailed out by teammate Alexander Kerzhakov in a 1-1 draw with South Korea in the World Cup on Tuesday that exposed both teams deficiencies. Akinfeev had already looked suspect in dealing with long-range shots before spilling Lee Keun-hos speculative effort into his own net in the 68th minute, gifting South Korea the lead at the Arena Pantanal. Kerzhakov, though, came to Akinfeevs rescue by turning in a shot from close range six minutes later -- just three minutes after coming on as a substitute -- to earn Russia a point from a poor-quality Group H match. Akinfeev stayed on the ground inside his own net, head in his hands, after making his error, clearly embarrassed after dropping what was a routine save from a shot from about 30 yards. He was consoled by a couple of teammates, who patted him on the back. "It was a kids mistake," Afinkeev said. "The goalkeeper of the national team shouldnt make mistakes like this one." Russia coach Fabio Capello has remained loyal to Akinfeev this season despite some patchy form, and stood by him again. "He is a great goalkeeper," Capello said. "There can be mistakes, of course -- some can get a penalty wrong ... and its logical for a goalkeeper to make a mistake as well. "We were able to make up for that and we can accept a mistake by a great keeper like Akinfeev." The explosive six-minute spell that featured both goals was not in keeping with the rest of a fairly mundane game characterized by slow build-up play, poor passing and wayward finishing. A point leaves both teams behind Belgium, which beat Algeria 2-1 earlier Tuesday, but the group appears wide open based on the opening two fixtures. Having lost four of its last five games heading to Brazil, the South Koreans came into their eighth straight World Cup with concerns over their flimsy defence and a lack of goal threat. A 4-0 thrashing by Ghana in a warm-up in Miami last week highlighted those worrying deficiencies perfectly. There was no hiding their toothless attack here, either, with the experienced Park Chu-young starting as the lone striker but justifying fears that he has lost his way after three ineffective years with Arsenal in the English Premier League. He was substituted in the 56th and his replacement, Lee, scored South Koreas goal. Russia, led by former England coach Fabio Capello, was just as lifeless in attack -- at least until Kerzhakov and Alan Dzagoev came off the bench -- and too functional in midfield. A dire first half was marked by the large contingent of Brazilian fans in the crowd doing slow hand clapping but South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo was satisfied by what he saw. "In such a tournament, the first match is the most difficult," Hong, who captained the nation to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup, said through a translator. "There is a lot of pressure on it so I thought the players played very well." Save for a shot by Son Heung-min that flew over the bar in the 39th when the forward was free at the edge of the area, there was barely a chance created in the first half. Capello stood with his hands on his hips in the technical area throughout the first 45 minutes, looking distinctly unimpressed. There was a major improvement after the break, although it required the mistake by Akinfeev to really get the game going. However, South Korea couldnt hold on and when Dzagoevs cross-shot was spilled out by goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong and defender Hwang Seok-hos clearance went straight at Andrei Yeshchenko, Kerzhakov was on hand to bundle home from inside the six-yard box. "I thanked them for their reaction," said Capello, who turns 68 on Wednesday. "It was the greatest birthday present I could receive." Brian Burns Youth Jersey . 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The San Angelo, Texas product, who was a high school and college quarterback sensation in the Lone Star State, will start his first CFL game with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-4) on Friday at Mosaic Stadium against the leagues top team, the Calgary Stampeders (11-2). Greg Olsen Womens Jersey . The Boston Celtics hadnt played since the All-Star break. So the Suns 100-94 victory over Boston Wednesday night was an uphill affair, with Phoenix relying on balance rather than its trademark high energy. SANDY, Utah -- Real Salt Lake stretched its unbeaten streak to 12 games with a 0-0 draw with FC Dallas on Saturday night, matching Major League Soccers record undefeated streak to start the season with a 6-0-6 mark. The Los Angeles Galaxy opened the inaugural season with a 12-0 record (including two shootout victories) in 1996, before the league had draws. The Galaxy opened the 2010 season with a 10-0-2 record. FC Dallas (5-6-3) is winless in seven straight games and was coming off a 2-1 loss to the Galaxy on Wednesday night. "We just had a tough time kind of creating chances through possession tonight," said RSL defender Nat Borchers, who saw his header cleared off the line in the 55th minute. "Thats how its going to be some nights." Real Salt Lake, in second place in the Western Conference, beat the Colorado Rapids 2-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium last weekend. Salt Lake continuees to be without goalkeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Kyle Beckerman, who are training in Northern California after being selected for the U.ddddddddddddS. national team competing at the World Cup next month. RSL was hurt in the 42nd minute when Joao Plata injured his left hamstring and left the game. Tesho Akindele got a good shot off from the right side of the box in the 53rd minute but Jeff Attinella -- standing in for Rimando -- came up with a big save in the corner. Attinella finished with three saves for the clean sheet. "I thought we came out flat," RSL coach Jeff Cassar said. "We were moving and possessing the ball, but really without purpose." Salt Lake saw the return of Robbie Findley, who entered the match in the 65th minute. Findley has been rehabbing from knee surgery following last seasons MLS Cup Final against Kansas City. 02:00ET 25-05-14 ' ' '