Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Guilherme makes history as Russia floor Lithuania

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Brazilian-born goalkeeper Guilherme made history when he went on as a halftime substitute in Russia's 3-0 friendly victory over Lithuania on Saturday.

The Lokomotiv Moscow stopper became the first player born outside of Russia to represent the national team when he replaced Stanislav Kritsyuk.

The 30-year-old Guilherme, who received his Russian passport last year, had little to do as the European Championship finalists eased to a comfortable win.

Fedor Smolov scored five minutes before halftime while Alexander Golovin and Denis Glushakov were on target after the break for Leonid Slutskiy's side.

Coach Slutskiy named a largely experiential lineup with only Sergei Ignashevich and Igor Smolnikov likely to start their first Euro 2016 game against England in Marseille on June 11.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Smolov was given a chance to stake his claim for a place at the finals in France and the Krasnodar forward impressed in a 45-minute outing.

He broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with an excellent left-foot finish beyond keeper Vytautas Cerniauskas after being sent clear by Dmitri Tarasov's pass.

It was Smolov's fifth goal on his 11th international appearance.

Substitute Golovin then made it 2-0 after pouncing on a knock-down from Alexander Kerzhakov.

Glushakov made sure of the win when he headed the ball in at the near post following a corner.

Lithuania failed to qualify for Euro 2016.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world