FYR Macedonia 0 Russia 1:ALEXANDER KERZHAKOV struck early for the second consecutive game to lead Russia to a win over Macedonia and top spot in Group B.
The in-form striker, who also scored the first goal in their 3-2 win over the Republic of Ireland last Friday, fired home from a tight angle, beating Macedonia goalkeeper Edin Nuredinovski with a rising shot into the far corner in the eighth minute.
Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev saved a penalty from Ilco Naumoski midway through the second half to ensure victory for Dick Advocaats team.
The home side, missing leading striker Goran Pandev through injury, rarely troubled Akinfeyev in the first half but came alive after the break.
Filip Despotovski wasted a good chance after sneaking in at the far post early in the second half and substitute Stevica Ristic brushed the bar with a header before Naumoski’s weak attempt from the spot was kept out by Akinfeyev.
The Russians, who also beat Macedonia home and away in two Euro 2008 qualifiers under Dutchman Guus Hiddink, endured a few nervous moments late in the game but held on for their second away win in four days.
Elsewhere, Armenia scored three times in the first half to power to a 4-0 win over Andorra. Gevorg Chazaryan, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Yura Movsisyan put the home side 3-0 up after 33 minutes and Brazilian-born Marcos Pizzelli added a fourth shortly after the break as the Armenians followed Friday’s 3-1 victory over Slovakia with another win.
FYR MACEDONIA:Nuredinovski, Sikov, Noveski, Mitreski, Lazevski, Sumulikoski, Gjurovski (Alimi 79), Despotovski (Georgievski 76), Naumoski, Trickovski, Ibraimi (Ristic 49). Subs not used: Bogatinov, Lazarevski, Grncarov, Todorovski. Booked: Noveski, Sikov.
RUSSIA:Akinfeev, Aniukov, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Shirokov, Denisov, Zyryanov, Dzagoev (Alexei Berezutsky 62), Arshavin (Bystrov 81), Kerzhakov (Pogrebniak 78). Subs not used: Gabulov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov, Bukharov. Booked: Zyryanov, Aniukov, Ignashevich.
Referee: S Johannesson (Sweden).
Kerzhakov 8
Att: 17,000
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