Semshov proves a winner for Russia

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.

While the performance was perhaps less than convincing, the result is all that will matter for Russia.

Igor Semshov’s 41st-minute strike was enough to win this one and they will now turn their attention to the visit of Giovanni Trapattoni’s side for a game that will be crucial in deciding who wins the group.