RUSSIA, Ireland’s next Group B opponents, will go into Tuesday’s clash in Moscow in confident mood after beating John Toshack’s Macedonia in Moscow last night.

As confirmed by Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday, the Republic of Ireland line up for tonight’s key Euro 2012 qualifier against Russia with the same team that beat Andorra last month.

MIROSLAV STOCH scored the only goal as Slovakia inflicted a shock Euro 2012 Group B home defeat on Russia at Moscow’s Lokomotiv Stadium yesterday, a result that could have major implications for the Republic of Ireland.

Russia 0 Slovakia 1

Andorra 0 Russia 2

Finland 0 Russia 3

Manchester United 1 Zenit St Petersburg 2

TWO GOALS from Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso ensured European champions Spain completed preparations for their World Cup qualification campaign on a high.

SPAIN midfielder Xavi was named the best player at Euro 2008, but there was no place for Ronaldo among the 10 midfielders selected by UEFA’s technical panel.

IT began with what the orange t-shirts called ‘Basle – The Invasion’ and ended with something more closely resembling the retreat from Moscow.

ANDREI ARSHAVIN returned from suspension to earn Russia a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 with victory over Sweden in Innsbruck.

Russia 2 Sweden 0

Greece 0 Russia 1

Spain 4 Russia 1

BAYERN MUNICH defender Lucio headed into his own net to give Zenit St Petersburg a crucial away goal ahead of next week’s return match in Russia after last night’s UEFA Cup semi-final, first leg ended in 1-1 draw.