Poles hit back to deny Russia

Poland came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Russia in an international friendly in Moscow tonight.

The hosts, who travel to Wembley on September 12, had held what looked to be a comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval following strikes from Dmitri Sychev and Roman Pavlyuchenko.

But the Poles, who top Group A in Euro 2008 qualifying, scored twice in four second-half minutes with Jacek Krzynowek and Jakub Blaszczykowski earning a share of the spoils.

Fellow qualification hopefuls Israel, who play England four days before Russia, lost 2-1 to Belarus.

Shimon Gershon’s 29th-minute penalty had looked to be enough to secure a draw but a late spot-kick for the hosts earned the hosts a win.

Table-topping Croatia won a thrilling match at Bosnia 5-3, with Arsenal man Eduardo Da Silva scoring, while Robert Kovac and Darijo Srna both claimed a brace. Macedonia drew 0-0 at home with Nigeria.

Elsewhere in a qualifier from England’s group, Indrek Zelinski earned a last-minute 2-1 win for Estonia over Andorra in the battle of the bottom sides after Fernando Silva had equalised for the visitors.