Russia stay on track with Azerbaijan win

Russia took another step towards the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by comfortably beating visitors Azerbaijan 2-0 in their European qualifying Group Four match here on Saturday.

Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov netted one apiece in Russia’s first ever match against their former compatriots.

The result left Russia in second spot in the group with nine points from four matches, one point behind the leaders Germany, who play Liechtenstein later on Saturday.

Russia seized the initiative right from the kick-off and quickly began testing the visitors’ defence for weaknesses.

However, a lack of shooting accuracy from Russia’s players combined with some stout Azeri defending meant the opening half hour was goalless.

In the 32nd minute the visitors’ resistance finally crumbled when Pavlyuchenko beat Azeri goalkeeper Farkhad Veliyev with a 25-yard free-kick.

The hosts created several more scoring chances but failed to increase their lead before the half-time break.

Russia continued to dominate possession in the second period, and in the 71st minute they doubled their advantage, with Zyryanov firing in from the edge of the six-yard box after a razor-sharp pass from Pavlyuchenko to secure a well-deserved win.

Azerbaijan spurned a late chance to reduce the arrears when Vagif Javadov hit the woodwork with a powerful shot from 22 yards out in injury time.