Ronaldo ruins Russia's night

Russia 0-1 Brazil
Brazil completed a hard-fought 1-0 win against Russia in bitterly cold conditions thanks to a disputed first-half goal from Ronaldo. The South Americans had done little to threaten the home side until Roberto Carlos's long-range effort deflected off Real Madrid CF team-mate and past the helpless Igor Akinfeev. The visitors then took control of the match although Aleksandr Borodyuk's men did miss a golden opportunity to draw level shortly before half-time when Aleksandr Kerzhakov cut in from the right and struck the post with a powerful shot. The hosts spurned further chances through Vassili Berezutski, on 74 minutes, and Kerzhakov again, who beat Rogério Ceni only to see his effort cleared off the line six minutes from time. At the other end, Fred saw a last-minute effort ruled out for offside.

Wales 0-0 Paraguay
Paraguay's World Cup preparations were frustrated by a Wales team that fought hard to hold them to a goalless draw at the Millennium Stadium. Manchester United FC winger Ryan Giggs missed a chance to give the Welsh the lead when he overhit an early attempt to lob stranded goalkeeper Justo Villar but it was Villar's opposite number who was kept the busiest on the night. Werder Bremen striker Nelson Valdez was denied three times in the first half by Paul Jones, who repeated his heroics to keep out a volley from Carlos Paredes after the break.

Israel 0-2 Denmark
Denmark maintained their fine record against Israel as goals from Kenneth Perez and Morten Skoubo gave them victory in Tel-Aviv. The visitors went into the game having won all seven of the previous meetings between the sides, and that always looked likely to become eight from eight when AZ Alkmaar playmaker Perez broke the deadlock on six minutes with an arcing free-kick. Skoubo then made it 2-0 midway through the half when he cushioned Lars Jacobsen's cross and finished from close range. Jacobsen was on defensive duty just before the hour mark, his goal-line clearance denying Yaniv Katan as Israel suffered their first home defeat in four years.

Senegal 2-1 Norway
Norway returned from Dakar empty handed after Erik Hagen's 40th-minute goal failed to spark a revival against Senegal. AC Ajaccio striker Moussa N'Diaye gave the African side a 19th-minute lead and Norway were firmly on the back foot after FC Metz player Babacar Gueye doubled their advantage after 35 minutes. Hagen's effort four minutes later gave Åge Hareide's side hope, but they drew a blank in the second period. "We didn't compete, and several players didn't give their all," said the coach. "All I can take back home to Norway is a gigantic headache."

Northern Ireland 1-0 Estonia
An early strike by Hibernian FC midfielder Ivan Sproule was enough to give Northern Ireland a home victory against Estonia at Windsor Park. The 25-year-old raced into the box to shoot low inside the far post after just 77 seconds following a flick-on from forward James Quinn. Winger Chris Brunt missed a good opening for Northern Ireland in the eighth minute as Lawrie Sanchez's side made a strong start but Maik Taylor also played a major part in the home win, saving superbly on several occasions, notably from left winger Andrei Sidorenkov when he was clean through on 17 minutes. The Birmingham City FC goalkeeper also tipped over a goalbound shot from centre-back Andrei Stepanov, while Estonia forward Tarmo Neemelo missed a good chance to equalise midway through a snowy second half.

Austria 0-2 Canada
Two goals from substitute Jim Brennan ensured that Josef Hickersberger's reign as Austria coach got off to a bad start on Wednesday night. Although Markus Kiesenebner missed an early chance for the home side on 13 minutes and captain Andreas Ivanschitz was narrowly wide of the target two minutes later, Canada were worthy winners after dominating the match. Dwayne de Rosario had three outstanding chances to put the visitors ahead in the first half only to be denied twice by goalkeeper Helge Payer and once by Martin Hiden's goal-line clearance. After the break the pressure finally told when Brennan scored with two fine strikes on 55 and 61 minutes.

Albania 1-2 Lithuania
A young Lithuania side can take heart after coming from behind to earn victory against Albania following a flurry of first-half goals. Ardian Aliaj gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot after Edvin Murati was fouled in the area on 38 minutes but this setback merely prompted their guests to retaliate within the space of a minute, Mantas Savenas bringing his side back into the game with a fine equaliser. Albania coach Peter Briegel's frustration was completed before the half-time whistle as Tomas Danilevicius scored what proved to be the winner.

F.Y.R. Macedonia 0-1 Bulgaria
Martin Petrov's first-half goal proved sufficient as Bulgaria edged a narrow victory against F.Y.R. Macedonia in Skopje. The Club Atlético de Madrid midfielder struck from distance seven minutes before half-time, having already missed several good opportunities. The home side hit back, with Goran Pandev a constant threat but an equaliser proved elusive as coach Srećko Katanec endured a disappointing first game in charge. It was also a landmark evening for his captain Goce Sedloski, as he won a record-breaking 69th cap.

Luxembourg 0-2 Belgium (Match abandoned after 64 minutes)
Belgium were denied a friendly success in Luxembourg after heavy snow forced the match to be called off in the second half with the visitors leading 2-0. Austrian referee Thomas Einwaller took the decision to bring the players off the field after 64 minutes as heavy snow made the game all but impossible for the players, and with no sign of the bad weather abating, new Belgium coach René Vandereycken was denied a victory in his first match in charge. Kevin Vandenbergh opened the scoring after 43 minutes and Luigi Pieroni scored a second after the break before the elements took their toll.