Arshavin helps Russia to feast on Finnish errors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Russia beat Finland 3-0 in their Group Four World Cup qualifier yesterday after the visitors put the first two goals into their own net. The Euro 2008 semi-finalists opened the scoring midway through the first half when Petri Pasanen, fighting off the Russia striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, mishit into his own goal.
The Russians, beaten by Germany 2-1 in Dortmund last Saturday, went two up in the 65th minute when Veli Lampi scored a second own goal when trying to clear the ball off the line.
The Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin, a long-term target of Tottenham Hotspur, added a third two minutes from time with a great solo effort, beating two defenders before rounding the keeper and slotting calmly into an empty net.
Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov created most of the chances for the home team in the fast-paced game. The visitors rarely threatened Russia's keeper Igor Akinfeyev with their lone striker Mikael Forssell closely guarded.
The Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen joined a number of other English-based players in the Finnish team, with Liverpool's Sami Hyypia at the heart of the visitors' defence. Sunderland's Teemu Tainio made an appearance from the bench, as did Hyypia's former Reds team-mate Jari Litmanen.
The win moved Russia into second place on six points, level with Wales, who faced the group leaders Germany later last night. Finland are fourth with four points.
The Czech Republic beat Slovenia 1-0 in Teplice in another of yesterday's early kick-offs. Libor Sionko scored the winner for the hosts in a bad-tempered match which produced six bookings. Slovakia were due to play Poland and Northern Ireland were hosting San Marino in last night's other Group Three matches.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments