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Euro 2020 is underway, with 24 nations out for glory. Top strikers are hoping to claim the Golden Boot for the tournament’s top scorer.
Serie A top scorer and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, Patrik Schick, whose brace for the Czech Republic against Scotland at Hampden Park included a wonder goal from near the halfway line and Cristiano Ronaldo lead the top scorers list with two goals each.
On Wednesday, Russia’s Aleksei Miranchuk gave his country hope of reaching the Euro 2020 knockout stages with a 1-0 win over Finland. Miranchuk made all the difference with a sublime individual performance.
He scored a stunning first half stoppage time winner in front of a home crowd in St Petersburg, alleviating the sting from Russia's 3-0 loss to Belgium in their opener.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder was deployed as a forward in a 4-3-3 formation against the Finns and finally delivered for his country on the big stage.
Man-of-the-match Miranchuk scooped his shot into the far top corner as Russia, unbeaten against Finland since their first meeting in 1912, made amends for their loss to Belgium.
"We got the job done, we are moving forward," Miranchuk said. "We need to capitalize on our moments. This is a tournament that features good teams, so each moment can be a unique chance. You have to score."
Apart from scoring a brilliant winner on the stroke of halftime, Miranchuk was a constant threat with his intricate passing and runs into the penalty area behind towering striker Artem Dzyuba.
Miranchuk carried his good club form into the European Championship, having helped Atalanta to a third-place finish in Italy's Serie A this season.