Russia concluded group play in the 2018 Algarve Cup without a point, losing all three matches while being outscored 7-1. A 3-0 loss to Sweden on Monday ensured the Russians finished among the bottom two of 12 national teams. But there was one positive: an exquisite rainbow by forward Marina Fedorova.
At 20 years of age, Fedorova is one of the youngest players on Russia’s roster. With youth comes a fearless willingness to try out new moves. In the opening six minutes against Sweden on Monday, with the match still 0-0, this perfectly executed rainbow was a textbook reminder of what youth brings to a side.
The Marina Fedorova rainbow resulted in an early shot (though it was blocked before reaching goal) and a rare positive moment for the Russians at the Algarve Cup. In group play, Russia lost to South Korea 3-1, Canada 1-0 and Sweden 3-0, picking up more red cards (two) than goals.
Russia will play China in the 11th-place match on Wednesday to avoid finishing dead last out of the 12 teams. Though the match pits the only two teams who have failed to register a single point in the Algarve Cup, it may be worth watching just to see what Marina Fedorova does next.