Russia all but through to finals

HE may have called a halt to the celebrations at the end of last night’s win in Zilina — but Russia coach Dick Advocaat must know Euro 2012 qualification is all but certain now.

The Russians sent a clear message to the Irish team in far away Andorra as they avenged their Moscow defeat at the hands of Slovakia 13 months ago.

Alan Dzagoev’s 71st minute goal was enough to win this match and all but send the Russians through the European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine.