New Russian role for Everton FC's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
By David Prentice
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov Photo icnetwork.co.uk
EVERTON new boy Diniyar Bilyaletdinov started at left-back
for Russia in a rain-soaked St Petersburg on Saturday.
But Guus Hiddink's much changed line-up made light work of Liechtenstein
in a World Cup qualifier.
Centre-back Vasili Berezutsky opened the scoring in the Group Four match
before Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko settled the contest with two
goals before the break.
Coach Hiddink was missing Andrei Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov and Denis Kolodin
through injury, hence Bilyaletdinov's selection at full-back.
But the changes did not prevent Russia from recording a simple victory.
Russia led 3-0 at the break, but worsening conditions and a slippery pitch
made for a scrappy second 45 minutes.
Hiddink's side now go to Wales on Wednesday night.
But the Russian coach's afternoon was spoilt slightly by a yellow card
to Igor Denisov who will now miss the match in Cardiff through suspension.
