Russia share Moscow stalemate with Ireland
Reuters - Tuesday 06 September 2011, 18:58
MOSCOW - Russia remained on course to
qualify for the Euro 2012 finals despite being held 0-0 at home
by Group B rivals Ireland on Tuesday.
The hosts enjoyed the bulk of possession but chances were
few and far between as Russia, who beat Ireland 3-2 in Dublin
last October, stayed top of the standings with 17 points from
eight matches - two ahead of the Irish.
With two matches left Russia's fate is still in their own
hands although Slovakia, who Russia face next month, can draw
level on points at the top if they beat Armenia on Tuesday.
Russia coach Dick Advocaat was left to rue missed chances.
"I can't be happy with tonight's result," the Dutchman told
a news conference. "We controlled the game for 90 minutes and
had seven or eight clear chances but still couldn't score at
least once. But we still control our own destiny."
Igor Semshov, who scored Russia's lone goal in a 1-0 win
over Macedonia last Friday, missed the best opportunity of the
first half when his low drive from close range had Irish keeper
Shay Given beaten but was cleared off the line by Richard Dunne.
The Russians increased the pressure after the break, forcing
the visitors on the defensive with quick runs down the wings on
the slick artificial pitch at the Luzhniki stadium.
Semshov wasted another chance after the restart while
substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov fired high over the bar from a
good position shortly after coming on late in the second half.
Given rescued his team late in the game when he blocked a
diving header by Konstantin Zyryanov with his feet as the Irish
hung on for a point that keeps them in contention.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side, missing John O'Shea, Kevin
Kilbane and Shane Long through injury and Sean St Ledger through
suspension, rarely troubled Russia's reserve keeper Vyacheslav
Malafeyev, who was playing in place of injured Igor Akinfeyev.
Trapattoni remained optimistic about his team's chances,
especially as their last two games are against Andorra and
Armenia. "We still have two more games," said the Italian coach.
"Russia are in first place for now but they must travel to
Slovakia so anything is possible."