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NO WONDER RUSSIA WON
Russia outplayed Azerbaijan 2:0 on Saturday in
the World Cup-2010 qualification.
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Konstantin Zyryanov scores against Azerbaijan
Photo SPORT EXPRESS
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Russia vs. Azerbaijan - 2:0 (1:0)
Scorers: Pavlyuchenko (free kick), 32 - 1:0. Zyryanov, 71 - 2:0.
This wad the first home match for the Russian national team this year,
and despite the not too comfy weather and not the strongest opponent Luzhniki
Stadium was full.
There was probably only one match when Luzhniki hosted more spectators
in the epoch of Hiddink in Russian football and it was the qualifying
match to the Euro-2008 against England in 2007.
The match turned out not very speedy and spectacular. The Russians felt
confident but somehow sleepy, Roman Pavlyuchenko scored not a very dangerous
free kick and woke the team for a while.
In the second half Zyryanov doubled the lead for Russia that turned the
game into positional ball possession. In the added time Azerbaijani shot
at the goal of almost frozen Akinfeev and hit the post, that was the only
dangerous moment in the box of our goalie.
The match not surprisingly became rather journey game at this stage of
the World Cup qualification. And ahead our team has another game with
Lichtenstein on April 1 in Vaduz.
"It is great that we managed to score in the first half," said
the forward of Tottenham and the Russian national team Roman Pavlyuchenko.
"I think this became the key to success."
"When I came up to the ball to perform a free kick I knew for sure
where I was going to shoot and had a feeling that the ball would be in."
"This victory is very important for us in terms of our tournamental
standings. But now we should forget this success and prepare for the next
match against Lichtenstein."
"I advise the Russian team to solve all their tasks before coming
to Baku," said the defender of the Azerbaijani team Rashad Sadygov.
"Let them be atop of the group by the time they come to us for the
return leg because that match would not be easy for them."
Sport
Express Daily, 30 Mar 2009
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