Russia ground out a 1-0 win away to Macedonia on Tuesday evening to go top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group B.
A powerful 8th minute strike from Alexander Kerzhakov gave Russia all three points, but Dick Advocaat’s men also had keeper Igor Akinfeev to thank after he superbly kept out a second-half penalty.
Kerzhakov, who also scored in Friday’s 3-2 win over Ireland in Dublin, now has 10 goals in his last six games for club and country.
Russia could also be grateful to the woodwork, Macedonia hitting the top of the bar in the 62nd minute with a Mario Gjurovski header.
Russia’s players looked bemused by the referee’s decision to award a penalty in the 73rd minute, but Akinfeev got down well to a low shot to his left to keep his side in front.
The win, coupled with Slovakia and Ireland’s 1-1 draw in Bratislava, means Russia are now top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group B with 9 points after 4 games. Slovakia, Ireland and Armenia all have 7 points.
Russia’s next qualifier is away to Armenia on March 26.
SKOPJE, October 13 (RIA Novosti)
