Russia do enough to progress

Decisive strikes
Goals at the end of each half from Igor Gorbatenko and Evgeni Korotaev, combined with Hungary's defeat by Spain in the evening's other Group A game, ensured that the Russians advanced. However, the scoreline did scant justice to an enterprising performance from the local favourites.

Panic stations
The story of the first half was one of frustration for the home side, whose hopes of progress depended on winning by an unlikely seven-goal margin. They began ambitiously, though, and Matthew De Cae caused panic in the Russia defence as early as the fourth minute when his raid down the left wing resulted in a dangerous low centre made even more perilous by the slippery conditions. In the event, goalkeeper Evgeni Pomazan did well to parry the ball to safety.

Gorbatenko goal
With the pitch being well watered by the falling rain, the arguably less technical, if more athletic, Russia players struggled to make an impression. Instead it was the hosts who boasted the key performers of the opening period, in midfielders Gilles Bettmer and Miralem Pjanic. For all their good work, however, it was Russia that held the interval lead. Yan Bobrovski's high pass reached Gorbatenko on the right angle of the penalty area, and the No10 fired a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Fabiano Castellani's left hand and into the far corner of the net. With leaders Spain in front against Hungary, pre-match tenants of second spot, one moment of brilliance had Russia on the verge of the last four.

Opportunities
Luxembourg did all they could to alter that situation once the action resumed. The skills they had shown in the first half now had an end product. First, on 44 minutes, Ricardo Thom made a solo run through the Russia rearguard which was only halted by some desperate defending, before FC Metz striker Pjanic - whose club president had made the short trip from France to watch - fed Thom with a fine pass but the latter player dwelt too long in possession and failed to test the keeper.

Korotaev on target
The eye-catching Pjanic also hit the side-netting with one effort. So it broke home hearts when the second goal of the tie arrived in the 75th minute. After Gorbatenko's surge into the Luxembourg box had brought a save from Castellani, the ball was crossed back into the danger zone where Aleksandr Sapeta set up Korotaev to finish. If cruel on Luxembourg, it was also confirmation of Russia's semi-final ticket.