Russia push past Poland

Russia continued their perfect start to qualifying despite the first-half dismissal of Nazir Kazharov as their ten men made it four successive wins without conceding a goal in Group 4 with victory in Poland.

Prudnikov winner
A single goal always looked likely to settle a tight game and it came after 71 minutes when Aleksandr Prudnikov collected a long ball, muscled his way past two defenders and scored from close range. Both sides had to reshuffle before the match with Russian defender Yury Lebedev falling ill shortly before the match, while Poland were without their No1 goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski after he was sent off in the 2-0 loss to Spain on Friday.

Kazharov dismissal
Chances were at a premium and Russia's hopes of making the breakthrough suffered a setback when Nazir Kazharov was dismissed for a second booking in first-half added time. But their defence held firm and Prudnikov's strike enabled them to move three points clear of Spain, who also have a 100 per cent record but have only played three games. Poland chances are diminishing as they have six points from five games.