Russia hit four again

Russia - 4 Albania - 1: Sergei  Semak  netted twice as Russia cruised to a comfortable Euro 2004 qualifying win over Albania in Volgograd last night.

Russia, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over the Republic of Ireland last month, proved equally as devastating in front of goal yesterday.

The home side took the lead after just three minutes when Alexander Kerzhakov got on the end of a Rolan Gusev cross to head home at the near post.

It was not all one-way traffic and Albania levelled up the scores 12 minutes later through Klodian Duro.

The first half in general was an evenly-fought affair and it wasn't until four minutes from the break that Russia were back in front. Dmitri Loskov passed to Semak and he calmly beat Foto Strakosha.

Russia all but wrapped the game up just after half-time when Onopko and Semak netted within the first nine minutes to make it 4-1.

Onopko netted first, heading home from Gusev's corner after 52 minutes before Semak added a superb individual goal two minutes later, the midfielder curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area following a solo run.

RUSSIA: Ovchinnikov; Nizhegorodov, Ignashevich, Smertin, Semak, Yanovsky, Onopko, Gusev (Yevseyev 78), Solomatin, Loskov (Aldonin 46), Kerzhakov (Popov 63).

ALBANIA: Strakosha; Cipi, Fakaj, Hasi, Murati, Duro, Vata (Sina 59), Lala, Haxhi (Bushaj 55), Xhumba, Tare (Myrtaj 69).

Referee: L Sundell (Sweden).