Russia grabbed top spot in Group B as Slovakia and Ireland both failed to match their rivals' close win over Macedonia, held instead by the Republic of Ireland. The visitors didn't make it easy for Russia, though, putting the favourites under huge pressure throughout the match and keeping things stressful even after Igor Semshov put the ball past Martin Bogatinov to give the hosts the lead in the 41st minute. Despite chances by Macedonia throughout the second half - they actually ended with more shots than Russia did - the could find the net to reclaim the point. Russia will be disappointed with lacklustre display but absolutely thrilled to go top of their group.
Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group B Recap: Russia Claim Lead
Slovakia, meanwhile, failed to impress while visiting Ireland, getting their fair share of shots in the Aviva Stadium but ultimately having to hold on by the skin of their teeth to come away with a goalless draw that will leave neither team happy - they’re now joint second, two points behind the leaders. It was a good chance for Ireland to put away a decent Slovakia side, but now they’ll have to hope other results go in their favour if they want to qualify.
Finally, Armenia did the totally expected and hammered Andorra, with a first half goal by Marcos Pizelli followed up by strikes from Gevorg Ghazarian and Henrikh Mkhitarian after the interval. This match, unsurprisingly, changes nothing about the group dyanmics - Armenia are still trailing both Ireland and Slovakia and it’ll take a miracle for them to qualify at this point.
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