Pogrebniak on the double as Russia get off to winning start

RUSSIA were indebted to Pavel Pogrebniak as the striker’s double got their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a 2-0 winning start in Andorra last night.

A strong start saw the eastern Europeans take a 14th-minute lead with a well-worked goal.

However, Andorra – who face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday – succeeded in roughing their opponents up at the Estadi Comunal and it was not until the 64th minute that Russia secured some breathing space through Pogrebniak’s penalty.