Olympiad

Home page

Olympiad

Russia go top of Euro 2012 group after win in Macedonia

13 October 2010 00:58 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Russia ground out a 1-0 win away to Macedonia on Tuesday evening to go top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group B, APA reports quoting RIA Novosti.
A powerful 8th minute strike from Alexander Kerzhakov gave Russia all three points, but Dick Advocaatâ€™s men also had keeper Igor Akinfeev to thank after he superbly kept out a second-half penalty.
Kerzhakov, who also scored in Fridayâ€™s 3-2 win over Ireland in Dublin, now has 10 goals in his last six games for club and country.
Russia could also be grateful to the woodwork, Macedonia hitting the top of the bar in the 62nd minute with a Mario Gjurovski header.
Russiaâ€™s players looked bemused by the refereeâ€™s decision to award a penalty in the 73rd minute, but Akinfeev got down well to a low shot to his left to keep his side in front.
The win, coupled with Slovakia and Irelandâ€™s 1-1 draw in Bratislava, means Russia are now top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group B with 9 points after 4 games. Slovakia, Ireland and Armenia all have 7 points.
Russiaâ€™s next qualifier is away to Armenia on March 26.