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Eurosport.com
March 26 2011
Plucky Armenia hold Russia
AFP Misfiring Russia were held to a 0-0 draw by hard-working Armenia
in a Euro 2012 qualifier, missing a chance to extend their Group B
lead.
The top-seeded Russians now have 10 points from five matches while
Armenia surprisingly moved into second place with eight points, ahead
of both Ireland and Slovakia who play their qualifiers later on
Saturday.
Russia have now failed to score for a third consecutive match after
losing two friendlies to Belgium (2-0) and Iran (1-0) in the last five
months.
After a slow opening, the Russians took control, creating several
scoring chances but failed to find the target.
Yura Movsisyan wasted Armenia's best chance early in the second half
when he fired wide from close range.
Alexander Kerzhakov, who scored for Russia in each of their two
previous qualifiers against Ireland and Macedonia, missed the top
corner when he was sent clear a few minutes later.
Russia captain Andrei Arshavin had a quiet game, missing the target
with his only shot at goal late in the game.
Coach Dick Advocaat said he was happy enough with a draw.
"Both teams were looking for a goal but we had a lot more chances than
them," the Dutchman said.
"Unfortunately, we were missing the final pass and couldn't get a good
shot on goal. Still, this draw is a good result, especially as we were
playing away from home."
The two teams meet again in their next qualifier on June 4.
http://au.eurosport.com/football/european-championship-qualification/2012/plucky-armenia-hold-russia_sto2723377/story.shtml
From: A. Papazian
March 26 2011
Plucky Armenia hold Russia
AFP Misfiring Russia were held to a 0-0 draw by hard-working Armenia
in a Euro 2012 qualifier, missing a chance to extend their Group B
lead.
The top-seeded Russians now have 10 points from five matches while
Armenia surprisingly moved into second place with eight points, ahead
of both Ireland and Slovakia who play their qualifiers later on
Saturday.
Russia have now failed to score for a third consecutive match after
losing two friendlies to Belgium (2-0) and Iran (1-0) in the last five
months.
After a slow opening, the Russians took control, creating several
scoring chances but failed to find the target.
Yura Movsisyan wasted Armenia's best chance early in the second half
when he fired wide from close range.
Alexander Kerzhakov, who scored for Russia in each of their two
previous qualifiers against Ireland and Macedonia, missed the top
corner when he was sent clear a few minutes later.
Russia captain Andrei Arshavin had a quiet game, missing the target
with his only shot at goal late in the game.
Coach Dick Advocaat said he was happy enough with a draw.
"Both teams were looking for a goal but we had a lot more chances than
them," the Dutchman said.
"Unfortunately, we were missing the final pass and couldn't get a good
shot on goal. Still, this draw is a good result, especially as we were
playing away from home."
The two teams meet again in their next qualifier on June 4.
http://au.eurosport.com/football/european-championship-qualification/2012/plucky-armenia-hold-russia_sto2723377/story.shtml
From: A. Papazian