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.

Russia could not find the second that might have killed the game off earlier with Alexander Kerzhakov and Roman Pavlyuchenko going close before Dmitri Torbinsky forced Martin Bogatinov into a good save.

Russia are likely to need a better performance Ireland as they afforded Macedonia too many chances last night.

RUSSIA: Malafeev, Aniukov, Vasili Berezutsky, Alexei Berezutsky, Zhirkov, Semshov (Pavlyuchenko 46), Denisov, Shirokov, Zyryanov (Torbinsky 60),Arshavin,Kerzhakov (Glushakov 88).

MACEDONIA: Bogatinov, Demiri, Sikov, Popov, Noveski, Georgievski, Sumulikoski (Muarem 85),Trickovski,Ibraimi (Hasani 66), Ivanovski (Trajkovski 75),Pandev.

Ref: Bulent Yildirim (Turkey).