‘Akinfeev is who De Gea thinks he is’ – Fans rave over Russia keeper’s heroics

If you played Football Manager anywhere between 2007 and 2011 you know all about Igor Akinfeev.

A simply outrageous keeper who developed into the best of the world, but sadly never quite managed to hit those heights in real life, famously going 10 years without a clean sheet in the Champions League.

However on Sunday, on the world’s biggest stage, he finally made it.

He made nine saves as Russia pushed Spain to penalties and in the shoot-out he saved twice, first from Koke and then the winner from Iago Aspas.

For many, it was the moment Akinfeev had been destined for…