Russia in command after overpowering Albania

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.

The Russians dominated for most of the game, played on a soggy pitch at the Rotor Stadium in the southern city of Volgograd, to maintain a 100 percent record in the group. “We played a great game and totally deserved this victory,” said Russia coach Valery Gazzayev. “We were a bit nervous when they equalised but after we scored the second goal the outcome was no longer in question,” he added.

Alexander Kerzhakov, the Russian league’s top scorer this season, put the home side in front with a fine header less than two minutes into the game after a right wing cross.

Albania equalised through Klodian Duro 11 minutes later when he surprised the Russian keeper Sergei Ovchinnikov from 22 metres.

Duro had a chance to put Albania ahead in the 38th minute after a mishap in the Russia defence but Ovchinnikov made a good save. Just three minutes later Russia went ahead for good after Sergei Semak beat goalkeeper Foto Strakosha with a low shot from 12 metres.Viktor Onopko made it 3-1 with a 51st minute header from a corner and Semak finished off the visitors two minutes later.

“We played a good match in the first 45 minutes,” said Albania’s Italian coach Giuseppe Dossena. “I am happy with the way we played but three minutes into the second half cost us the game.”

Russia have six points from two games, Albania just one.

RUSSIA: Ovchinnikov, Nizhegorodov, Ignashevitch, Smertin, Semak, Yanovsky, Onopko, Gusev, Solomatin, Loskov, Kerzhakov.

ALBANIA: Strakosha, Lala, Cipi, Xhumba, Fakaj, Hasi, Murati, Haxhi, Duro, Fatmir Vata, Tare.