Miranchuk Says His Beautiful Goal Against Finland Is No More Important Than 3 Points For Russia

Aleksey Miranchuk (Twitter @ euro2020)

JAKARTA - Aleksey Miranchuk said his goal was not more important than the three points for the Russian national team when they beat Finland 1-0 in Group B of Euro 2020 in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday.

The goal showcased the footballing intelligence of Miranchuk who cleverly used defender Daniel O'Shaugnessy's body to cover goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky's line of sight before curling a shot to open Russia's lead in the second minute of first-half injury time.

📸 Aleksei Miranchuk curls in the opener for Russia ⚽️#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/Mx3iaTaWex

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 16, 2021

"Yes, I scored a good goal, but it's not important. The most important thing is that we get the job done, win the game and get the three points we really needed," Miranchuk told Match TV after the match, quoted by Antara from UEFA's official website.

The additional three points keep Russia's chances of qualifying for the last 16 of Euro 2020.

Russia temporarily moved up to second place in Group B standings, displacing Finland, armed with a head-to-head advantage even though they both have three points.

"At this stage, the most important thing is to win. We are getting the job done and preparing for the next game," Miranchuk said.

"Did we waste a lot of chances? That's football. What has to be underlined is we created chances," he concluded.

⏰ RESULT ⏰

⚽️ Aleksei Miranchuk 45'+2

🇫🇮🆚🇷🇺 Russia secure their first 3 points of the finals...

🤔 Fair result? #EURO2020

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 16, 2021

Statistical records on the official UEFA website show Russia had 14 attempted shots, but eight of them failed to hit the target at all.

Russia next will travel to Copenhagen to face Denmark in their final Group B match on Monday, 21 June.