Russia defeat Welsh dragons

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Published: 10 September, 2009, 00:15
Edited: 12 September, 2009, 15:17

United Kingdom, Cardiff : Igor Semshov of Russia (R) scores the first goal, beating the goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey of Wales (L) during the Group Four World Cup 2010 qualifier between Wales and Russia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales on September 9, 2009 (AFP Photo / Ian Kington)

TAGS: Sport, Football

Russia have triumphed in the crucial World Cup qualifier against Wales, taking a 3-1 win at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

Captain Andrey Arshavin was fit for the game and set up Guus Hiddink’s men’s first goal of the night. The Arsenal playmaker cut the Welsh defense with a great pass, delivering the ball to Igor Shemshov, who shot past keeper Wayne Hennessey on 36 minutes, 0-1.

Russia seemed in full control of the game after the restart following halftime, but everything changed after the hosts equalized following a corner – James Collins poked the ball in, 1-1.

Wales took the ball under control and put Russian defense under pressure. David Edwards had a super chance to put his team in front, but Igor Akinfeev somehow saved his shot from inside the box.

Russia regained the lead after a powerful free-kick from defender Sergey Ignashevich at 71 minutes, and then concentrated on preserving the winning score.

But Guus Hiddink’s men didn’t forget about counter attack. One of these saw substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko hitting the cross bar, and another – in stoppage time – ended with a goal.

Pavlyuchenko put his name on the scoreboard, shooting into Hennessey’s far corner and sealing the deal for Russia, 1-3.

Russia remains second in their World Cup 2010 qualifying group, just one point behind Germany. The fate of the automatic qualification will be decided when these two teams meet in Moscow on October 10.