Russia reap attacking reward

By Mihail Korolev

Russia took a significant step towards assuring themselves a top-two finish in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 3 after a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Latvia in Riga.

Early opener
Andrei Chernyshov's side looked comfortable after Nikita Bazhenov's 13th-minute opener and they sealed the win with three second-half goals from Aleksandr Samedov, Ivan Saenko and Igor Lebedenko. The result lifts them four points clear of third-placed Slovakia while virtually ending Latvia's slender hopes.

Latvia threat
The one-sided scoreline contrasted with a tight 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in St. Petersburg in June. And Latvia looked like troubling Russia again this evening as they threatened early on. Aleksejs Visnakovs almost broke the deadlock with the game still in its infancy, capping a rapid counterattack with a powerful shot that forced a sprawling save from Vladimir Gaboulov.

Midfield spark
That stop proved pivotal and from then on Russia, and particularly FC Spartak Moskva pair Aleksandr Pavlenko and Bazhenov, began to orchestrate the game. It was the latter that broke the deadlock before the quarter hour, tapping in after Aleksandr Sheshukov's blistering effort could only be parried.

Saenko strike
Bazhenov, Samedov and Igor Denisov missed great chances to double the lead before the interval but 1. FC Nürnberg striker Saenko was more clinical a minute before the hour mark, pouncing on a poor back-pass from Antons Jemelins then calmly slotting past Pavels Steinbors.

Lebedenko scores
The goalkeeper got closer five minutes later but could only foul Bazhenov and Samedov converted the resulting penalty. Samedov then turned provider, crossing for FC Lokomotiv Moskva club-mate Lebedenko, a second-half substitute, to head in the fourth.

Final aspirations
The result leaves Russia five points behind group leaders Portugal but favourites to claim the runners-up spot and earn a place in November's play-offs for a berth in next summer's final tournament. Latvia are eight points behind Russia with three matches remaining. Latvia are next away to Estonia on 2 September while Russia are at home to Portugal four days after that.