INSPIRED SUBSTITUTIONS proved the difference as Diego Maradona’s Argentina came from behind to beat Guus Hiddink’s Russia 3-2 in a friendly in Moscow yesterday.
Lisandro Lopez and Jesus Datolo both scored within seconds of coming on to give Argentina a 3-1 lead before Russian substitute Roman Pavluchenko pulled one back for the home side with 10 minutes remaining. Igor Semshov had earlier given Russia the lead before Sergio Aguero struck a fine equaliser for Argentina on the stroke of half-time.
Brazil edged out Estonia 1-0 in an keenly-contested international friendly in Tallinn. Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano grabbed the only goal in a match which marked the first meeting between the two countries.
Ivan Hasek’s reign in charge of the Czech Republic got off to a winning start with a 3-1 success over Belgium in Teplice.
Hasek, who took over last month for the remainder of the World Cup qualifying campaign, saw his side go behind to Jan Vertonghen’s 12th-minute opener.
But Roman Hubnik levelled shortly before the half-hour mark and Milan Baros gave the visitors the lead with a penalty four minutes before the break.
Michal Kadlec sealed the win in the 78th minute for the Czechs, who are languishing in fourth place in qualifying Group Three, seven points behind leaders Slovakia.
