Russians go top after victory in Macedonia

THE Republic of Ireland’s draw against Slovakia meant Giovanni Trapattoni’s side surrendered top spot in Group B after Russia defeated Macedonia 1-0 in Skopje.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s winner saw Russia go top but the visitors had goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev to thank after the CSKA Moscow man saved a penalty.

Russia dominated what was a very scrappy affair in the first-half and their nerves were settled as early as the eighth minute. A neat through ball from Aleksandr Anyukov found Kerzhakov and the Zenit St Petersburg hitman took a touch and blasted the ball beyond Edin Nuredinovski.