Canny Russia rein in Poland

Russia's first UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 6 fixture went to plan, with Nikolai Pisarev's side picking up three points with a measured performance in Poland.

Aleksandr Kokorin put the visitors ahead after 13 minutes in Kielce, and while the woodwork was rattled at both ends following the interval, substitute Denis Cheryshev struck what proved to be the killer blow, beating Filip Kurto in the Poland goal for a second time.

Kokorin cannoned a shot into the goal off a post as Russia made a positive start, and Kurto had to make two important interventions during a cagey first period to stop the guests breaking through again. His opposite number Nikolai Zabolotni was busy after half-time, saving Mateusz Klich's shot before Michał Kucharczyk sped past him only to strike his shot against the post.

Dangerous on the break, Russia responded as Kokorin headed against the bar from a corner and they got the crucial second goal with 20 minutes to go, Cheryshev tidying up with a low shot after the ball spun loose from another corner. Captain Taras Burlak came within inches of a third, hitting a free-kick against the post. Russia visit Moldova next on 7 October, with Poland hosting Albania four days later.