RUSSIA BEATS ARMENIA 2-0 IN FRIENDLY MATCH
Wednesday, March 5th, 2014
A scene from the Russia-Armenia match
KRASNODAR, Russia (AP)–Alexander Kokorin and Dmitry Kombarov scored
in the first half to lead Russia to a 2-0 victory over Armenia in a
warm-up match ahead of the World Cup on Wednesday.
Kokorin opened the scoring with a low shot off Alexander Samedov’s
cross from the right in the 21st minute. Kombarov doubled the lead
by converting a penalty after Artak Yedigaryan fouled Samedov in the
box in the 43rd.
Russia dominated from the start and came close to scoring several
times, only for Roman Berezovsky to deny Yuri Zhirkov’s attempt in the
sixth minute and block Kokorin’s low backheel shot four minutes later.
At the other end, Henrik Mkhitaryan tested Russia keeper Igor Akinfeev
with a low bouncing shot from outside the box midway through the
first half.
Russia coach Fabio Capello substituted four starters at the interval
and made two more substitutions later on. Russia never looked as
convincing as it did in the first half, and Akinfeev had to make a
series of saves.
“The match was played at high speed and should have helped our
players to feel the rhythm of real football after a winter break,”
Capello said. “All our players were in different physical conditions,
but generally I’m satisfied with the team’s presentation.”
Russia will next host Slovakia in a warm-up on May 21 and faces South
Korea in its World Cup Group H opener on June 17.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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