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.