Potential Ireland opponents Russia only manage draw with minnows

Azerbaijan 1 Russia 1

Vagif Javadov cancelled out Andrei Arshavin's early goal as a lacklustre Russia side rounded off their World Cup Group Four qualifying campaign with a draw against lowly Azerbaijan.

Russia, who Ireland may face in the World Cup qualification play-offs, were already resigned to second place following defeat to group winners Germany on Saturday, and coach Guus Hiddink, with six players on yellow cards and an eye on next month's play-offs, fielded an experimental side in Baku.

But it was mainstay of the campaign Arshavin who broke the deadlock after 13 minutes, tapping in from close range after Azerbaijan goalkeeper Kamran Agaev could only palm Alan Dzagoev's shot into the Arsenal man's path.

Having taken the lead, Russia were guilty of taking their foot off the gas and allowed their hosts to come into the game.