Tweet
Goal.com
June 4 2011
Russia 3-1 Armenia: Roman Pavlyuchenko hits hat-trick as Russia
provisionally top Group B
The overmatched visitors simply could not keep up with the Tottenham
striker at the Luzhniki Stadium as the hosts move top of the Republic
of Ireland's group
By Keeghann Sinanan
A Roman Pavlyuchenko hat-trick saw Russia take all three points from
Armenia in their Euro 2012 qualifier at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Pavlyuchenko scored two poacher's efforts and a second-half penalty to
send Russia top of Group B, pending the results of Slovakia and
Ireland, who play later today.
The match began with the home fans in full song, but they were briefly
silenced in the 25th minute, as Marcos Pizzelli beat Igor Akinfeev
with a low shot from near the penalty spot.
However, they regained their collective voice barely a minute later,
as Pavlyuchenko volleyed home an inviting cross by Aleksandr Anyukov
from the right wing.
Russia started the second half brightly, and eventually took a
deserved lead on 59 minutes. A quick move following a throw-in
released Igor Semshov down the left. He crossed from the byeline
towards Pavlyuchenko, who was afforded the freedom of the Luzhniki
Stadium to smash home at the far post.
The goal seemed to spark Armenia into life, and Russia spent the next
10 minutes camped in their own half. But despite their endeavour,
Armenia could not muster enough quality to breach the Russian
rearguard.
They were made to pay on 73 minutes when Pavlyuchenko completed his
hat-trick from the penalty spot. Following a failed attack by Armenia,
Yuri Zhirkov broke clear down the left, only to be body-checked by
Sargis Hovsepyan in the box. There was only going to be one taker, and
Pavlyuchenko drove the ball into the right corner to wrap up his
personal treble. Despite some late nervy moments in defence, Russia
held on to claim all three points.
Russia now move provisionally on top of Group B with 13 points from
six games. Slovakia and Ireland are both tied for second spot with 10
points from five games, but both play later on Saturday against
Andorra and Macedonia respectively. Meanwhile, Armenia remain in 4th
place with eight points from six games.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/56013/russia-vs-armenia/report
June 4 2011
Russia 3-1 Armenia: Roman Pavlyuchenko hits hat-trick as Russia
provisionally top Group B
The overmatched visitors simply could not keep up with the Tottenham
striker at the Luzhniki Stadium as the hosts move top of the Republic
of Ireland's group
By Keeghann Sinanan
A Roman Pavlyuchenko hat-trick saw Russia take all three points from
Armenia in their Euro 2012 qualifier at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Pavlyuchenko scored two poacher's efforts and a second-half penalty to
send Russia top of Group B, pending the results of Slovakia and
Ireland, who play later today.
The match began with the home fans in full song, but they were briefly
silenced in the 25th minute, as Marcos Pizzelli beat Igor Akinfeev
with a low shot from near the penalty spot.
However, they regained their collective voice barely a minute later,
as Pavlyuchenko volleyed home an inviting cross by Aleksandr Anyukov
from the right wing.
Russia started the second half brightly, and eventually took a
deserved lead on 59 minutes. A quick move following a throw-in
released Igor Semshov down the left. He crossed from the byeline
towards Pavlyuchenko, who was afforded the freedom of the Luzhniki
Stadium to smash home at the far post.
The goal seemed to spark Armenia into life, and Russia spent the next
10 minutes camped in their own half. But despite their endeavour,
Armenia could not muster enough quality to breach the Russian
rearguard.
They were made to pay on 73 minutes when Pavlyuchenko completed his
hat-trick from the penalty spot. Following a failed attack by Armenia,
Yuri Zhirkov broke clear down the left, only to be body-checked by
Sargis Hovsepyan in the box. There was only going to be one taker, and
Pavlyuchenko drove the ball into the right corner to wrap up his
personal treble. Despite some late nervy moments in defence, Russia
held on to claim all three points.
Russia now move provisionally on top of Group B with 13 points from
six games. Slovakia and Ireland are both tied for second spot with 10
points from five games, but both play later on Saturday against
Andorra and Macedonia respectively. Meanwhile, Armenia remain in 4th
place with eight points from six games.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/56013/russia-vs-armenia/report