Arshavin on target to spoil Sorensen milestone
Reuters - Wednesday 29 February 2012, 21:20
Goals from Roman Shirokov and
Andrei Arshavin spoiled Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen's
100th international appearance as Russia secured a 2-0 win over
their fellow Euro 2012 finalists in an international friendly on
Wednesday.
Honoured before kick-off at the Parken Stadium in the Danish
capital, Sorensen was beaten after only four minutes as Shirokov
fired home low to the keeper's right.
Despite some tidy touches from Christian Eriksen and William
Kvist in Denmark's midfield, Arshavin doubled Russia's lead just
before half-time when he drifted in from the right before lashing
a powerful drive past Sorensen.
"It was a good win against a team that is difficult to beat.
The first 20 minutes we controlled the game and created chances
without giving any chances away," Russian coach Dick Advocaat
told reporters.
Forward Arshavin, who returned to Zenit St Petersburg on
loan earlier this month after an unhappy spell at Arsenal, was
instrumental in the victory.
"I was happy for the team and happy for Andrei, after a very
difficult period at Arsenal. Now you can see what kind of a
player he is," added Advocaat.
The closest Denmark came to a goal was a free-kick by
Eriksen, but the attacking midfielder's strike was punched away
by Russia keeper Vladimir Gabulov.
"The positive is that we created chances. The negative is
that we didn't score," said Denmark coach Morten Olsen.