Underdogs Russia take football gold

Flying the flag: Russian footballers celebrate their win

Russia shocked world champions Ukraine 3-2 in the Paralympic football final - and one man stole the show.

Mamuka Dzimistarishvili scored a hat-trick to spark jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.

Rejoicing in the upset, the Russians stripped off their shirts and jogged a victory lap before 12,000 fans.

Midfielder Dzimistarishvili was in deadly finishing mood, with two headed goals from corners and a 14th-minute penalty.

Volodymyr Kabanov and midfielder Andriy Roztoka netted for Ukraine.

After trailing 2-1 at half-time, Dzimistarishvili levelled for Russia five minutes into the second half.

From Russia with laughs: The delighted squad

He completed his hat-trick off a Marat Fatiakhdinov corner to secure the gold medal six minutes from time.

"Nobody expected us to beat Ukraine," said coach Avtandil Baramidze after Sunday's victory.

"I told my players at half-time that we would win and they just had to believe in themselves."

Brazil claimed the bronze medal after beating Portugal 2-1 in the play-off match for third place.

Luciano Rocha claimed both goals for the Brazilians, with Nuno Germano scoring for the Portuguese.

On Friday, Dzimistarishvili had scored another hat-trick in Russia's 3-1 semi-final defeat of Portugal, while Ukraine beat Brazil 2-1.