Russians rescued by Arshavin

By Mihail Korolev

Russia missed the chance to strengthen their position in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 3, despite coming from behind to claim a point in Latvia.

Second hope
A win for Russia at a packed Skonto stadium in Riga would have given them a temporary share of second place with Slovakia on 17 points, but they failed to take full advantage of their game in hand, mustering only an Andrei Arshavin goal in reply to Vitalis Astafjevs's opener.

Rimkus joy
The Latvia captain struck in the sixth minute when he connected with a Vits Rimkus cross on the volley from 17 metres, dispatching the ball low into the corner to give the hosts the lead.

Russians clinical
Yuri Semin's team equalised 20 minutes later with their first real opening. An error in the Latvia back line allowed Russia captain Dmitri Khoklov to set Arshavin through on goal and, despite goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko managing to keep out the midfielder's initial effort, he was helpless to stop the rebound ending in the net.

Group situation
The draw means Russia remain in third position, while Latvia are a point behind in fourth having played a match more.