A brilliant second half performance by Fabio Capello’s side earned three much needed points in their 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Israel. Russia’s goals were scored by Vasili Berezutski, Aleksandr Kokorin and Denis Glushakov, while Eran Zahavi’s header was just a mere consolation for the away side.
Under pressure to get maximum points from this game, Capello made two changes from the side that thrashed Luxembourg 4-1 in Kazan on Friday. Lokomotiv’s winger Alexander Samedov came in for Vladimir Bystrov, while regular starter Vasili Berezutski regained his place at the back from Vladimir Granat, alongside CSKA teammate Sergei Ignashevich.
Russia could not get through, however, in the first half. Israel tried to play tight at the back, while feeding the ball forward to Eran Zahavi or Elyaniv Barda on the counter attack. The home side was restricted to play from the flank, which rarely found a way to any attackers inside the box. The best chance of the half for the home side was Shirokov’s half-volley on the 23rd minute. A hanging cross from Spartak captain Kombarov fell timely to Shirokov, who could not find the right shot at the tight angle. His first timer ended up on the wrong side of the net.
The away side had their own moment in the first half; their threats came from quick play on counter attacks. Earlier, in the 13th minute, Elyaniv Barda almost get through one on one to face Akinfeev, but Berezutski’s last-ditch tackle denied him. Zahavi, too, had a chance after given open space by the Russian defense, but his long shot just wide to the right post.
Capello sensed the urge to add on creativity in his midfield, and he inserted Dzagoev and Glushakov at the break in place of Denisov and Fayzulin. The away side also brought on a new player, with Ben Hazra replacing Maor Melichson.
Dzagoev presence undoubtedly gave more variety on Russia’s attacking move, with him tried to move the ball through the middle and gave Shirokov more freedom up front. Glushakov, simultaneously, penetrated through Israeli midfielders who has been defensing their territory on the previous half.
The pressure by the home side proved to be too much to bear for the visitor. Five minutes into the second half, Vasili Berezutski surged forward, bringing the ball up front and tried to open the space with a pass to Shirokov. A return cross, though fumbled on its way by the Israeli defender, fell back on Berezutski’s feet. The defender wasted no time, pulling a low shot to the right corner of Dudu Auoate.
The goal sent Petrovsky’s crowd wild, and the stadium became lively with cheers by fans urging for more goals. The pressured visitors could not set themselves up again when Kokorin, receiving a great pass by Samedov, released a curled shot two minutes after the opening goal. Undoubtedly the best goal of the night, Russia finally looked confidence on the ball and started to control the game.
Eli Gutman sent Itay Shechter to replace an ineffective Barva, in hopes of adding more spice to his team’s attack. Instead, Russia was given another chance to increase their lead and nail down the result. Fine work in the box by Dzagoev hit the hand of Keinan, resulting in a penalty kick for the home side. Shirokov sent his kick to the post, but the ball bounced back right to the path of Glushakov, who made no mistake. He slotted in the ball to give Russia an unassailable 3-0 lead after 75 minutes.
Russia had a few chances after that to add their tally, but Aleksandr Kerzhakov failed to get his name on the scoresheet. Twice seeing his shot just wide, he was unlucky despite his tremendous work rate during the whole match.
The match looked certainly to be ended with a 3-0 scoreline, but a bursting Zahavi headed home the consolation goal on the second additional minute. The goal was too late to change anything, but questions will be asked on how Russian defenders conceded two consecutive goals in the additional time (also against Luxembourg on Friday).
“I think we had a good second half. We knew Israel is a very organized team and they do not like to leave free space. I am very happy with the team and the result,” said Capello after the match. “We made the changes at the break, so we can play faster in the middle of the field. In the first half we controlled the possession, but we could not manage to create any urgency to them.”
When he was asked about the conceded goal, he replied, “I do not like it, whenever my team concedes a goal. And if this happened for the second time, it means something is wrong. Our defenders played rather well today, but only towards the end there were little mistakes.” He added, “I would like to thank all the fans of St. Petersburg. They showed great support in every moment of the game.”
Israeli captain Dudu Auoate chose to praise their opponent. “Russian team is a very good team. We managed to contain them in the first half, but they piled up pressure on us in the second (half). We tried, but they have many fantastic players and we need to work harder… Their fans was fantastic, it was great to play in front of a capacity crowd. But I do not think we lost because of the fans, it was more due to our performance on the field.”
The win means Capello’s squad are back on top of Group F, one point above second-placed Portugal. Russia will face Luxembourg and Azerbaijan next, both away from home next month. The fixtures, especially against Azerbaijan will prove the ability of Capello and his team to finish the job well this time. Israel, meanwhile, stay third with twelve points from eight games. They will head to Portugal next month, before hosting Northern Ireland on the final day of European qualification.
Russia First XI: Akinfeev, Kozlov, Berezutskiy V., Ignashevich, Kombarov D., Fayzulin (Dzagoev 45′), Shirokov, Denisov (C) (Glushakov 45′) Kokorin (Bystrov 77′), Samedov, Kerzhakov.
Israel First XI: Dudu Aouate (C), Ben Haim,Zahavi, Natcho, Refaelov, Melichson (Ezra 45′), Davidzavarustam,Yeini,Barva Elyani (Shechter 64′),Keinan, Alberman (Radi 70′).
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