Rugged Russia resist Rep treble
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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Russia 3-3 Slovenia
Rajko Rep's hat-trick was not enough to give the Group 2 hosts an opening victory, Fedor Smolov scoring twice in reply for Russia.Miloš Kostić
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A hat-trick from Rajko Rep was not enough to give Slovenia victory against ten-man Russia on the opening day of action in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite round Group 2.
Rep heroics
Miloš Kostić's side made the perfect start in Lendava, NK Celje forward Rep opening the scoring in the 12th minute, but the lead proved short-lived as Fedor Smolov equalised for Russia three minutes later, adding a second in the 20th minute to turn the match on its head. Rep levelled before half-time, however, and his hat-trick goal eight minutes into the second period after Russia's Aslan Dudiev had been sent off looked to have won it for Slovenia, only for Maksim Grigorev to earn a draw with ten minutes left. Mini-tournament hosts Slovenia next face the Netherlands on Saturday while Russia play Belarus, a match Dmitry Malayka will miss after breaking his collarbone here with Alexey Pomerko also banned.