RUSSIA coach Valery Gazzayev last night threatened to resign after his side’s 2-1 home defeat to Israel in a warm-up to the crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against a Republic of Ireland side sweating on the availability of Robbie Keane.

RUSSIA strengthened their command of Group 10 after they scored twice in the first half and twice in the second when crushing Albania 4-1 last night.

Russia 4 Albania 1

Russia will be without captain Yegor Titov, midfielder Marat Izmailov and striker Dmitri Sytchev for next month's European Cup qualifier against Ireland.

Belgium coach Robert Waseige believes his team have answered their critics after a 3-2 win over Russia put them into the second round.

Belgium coach Robert Waseige believes his team have answered their critics after a 3-2 win over Russia put them into the second round.

Japan v Russia teams

Japan v Russia teams

RUSSIA coach Oleg Romantsev turned on his players even though they opened their World Cup campaign with victory over Tunisia to climb to the top of Group H.