Estonia 0-2 Russia: Kerzhakov double
TALLINN, March 24 (Reuters) - Striker Alexander Kerzhakov scored two second-half goals to give Russia a 2-0 away win over Estonia that put them in a strong position in Euro 2008 qualifying Group E on Saturday.
Playmaker Andrei Arshavin laid on both goals for Kerzhakov,
who beat goalkeeper Mart Poom with a dipping shot in the 66th
minute and netted a left wing cross in the 78th.
The home team were fired up for the match, for historical
reasons as well as trying to avenge a 2-0 defeat earlier in the
campaign, and midfielders Sergei Terehhov and Ragnar Klavan were
close to scoring early on.
But from the middle of the first half the home team's
attacks dwindled and they were unable to hold back Arshavin who
cut through Estonia's defence at will creating chances.
'Our game fell apart in the second half. We got tired
first,' Poom told Estonia's national broadcaster ETV.
Russia went one point ahead of Croatia at the top of the
group before the Croatians' home game against Macedonia later on
Saturday.