Russia revive qualification chances

Russia breathed life into their hopes of reaching this summer's UEFA European Under-19 Championship with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Lithuania at the Spartak stadium in Moscow.

Shpakov strikes
The mini-tournament hosts lost their opening game in the section 1-0 to Ukraine on Wednesday, and victory in today's fixture was essential if Yury Smirnov's side were to have any hope of claiming a place in this summer's final tournament in Northern Ireland. The first half was an even affair, but it was Russia who took the lead seven minutes before half-time as Ivan Shpakov broke the deadlock with a long-range shot from a partially-cleared corner.

Win secured
The goal gave the Russians the incentive to seize control of the match in the second 45 minutes and Shpakov scored his and Russia's second goal seven minutes after the restart, striker Ivan Starkov creating the opportunity. Provider turned scorer seven minutes past the hour, Starkov striking to wrap up an impressive win.

No room for error
The result moved Russia up to second place on three points, three behind section leaders Norway. Smirnov's side must therefore defeat the Norwegians in their final fixture on Sunday, while Lithuania, who are yet to claim a point, finish their campaign against third-placed Ukraine, whose qualification chances were ended by their 5-1 defeat against Norway today.