Bazhev effort bests Bulgaria
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Article summary
Russia 1-0 Bulgaria Amir Bazhev's first-half free-kick secures Russia second place in Group 4.
Article body
Russia ended UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 4 on a high with a victory against hosts Bulgaria that clinched second place.
Belarus uncatchable
Defeats for both these sides against Belarus had meant neither could catch the leaders and deprive them of the one berth available in May's Italian-hosted finals, but each had overcome Finland and were keen to finish with a victory in windy conditions.
Bazhev winner
Relying on counterattacking tactics, Russia went close on three minutes and 14 minutes later Andreev's shot was saved by Nikolai Mihailov in the Bulgarian goal. But the son of legendary custodian Borislav was beaten in the 27th minute by an Amir Bazhev free-kick that settled the game. Belarus did lose to Finland today allowing Russia to join them on six points, but the result of their game on Sunday - a 2-0 win for Belarus - proved decisive for the head-to-head record.
