Russia only need a point against Azerbaijan to advance to next summer's World Cup and that's exactly what they got. Roman Shirokov's 16th-minute goal put Russia ahead and despite a late strike from Vagif Dzavadov, the Russians were able to hold on for the draw.
Azerbaijan vs. Russia: Final score 1-1, Roman Shirokov’s goal sends Russia to the World Cup
Russia got the result they needed, drawing against Azerbaijan and securing an automatic qualifying place for next summer in Brazil.
Jamie McDonald
The opening 15 minutes weren't the best for Russia, as they looked a bit nervy and clearly aware of how important a result for them would be on the day. Azerbaijan looked the better side for most of the opening quarter hour but in the 16th minute, a bit of precise passing opened up their defense and Russia went ahead.
Aleksandr Samedov was the creator, patiently dribbling 30 yards from the Azerbaijan goal, giving Roman Shirokov the time he needed to find a gap in the defense. Samedov’s pass was perfect and Shirokov took one touch in the area and sent a chip over the left shoulder of Kamran Agayev to make it 1-0.
Russia were gifted a chance to double their lead in the 55th minute after a defensive giveaway allowed Alexander Kerzhakov to break in one-on-one with Agayev. The Azerbaijan goalkeeper was up to the task though, stopping the Russian forward’s shot with his fingertips.
Azerbaijan’s slim hopes of at least getting a point took a blow in the 73rd minute when Maksim Medvedev was shown a straight red card for a late tackle on Shirokov. It wasn’t a particularly malicious tackle but momentum carried Medvedev into Shirokov, putting his studs into the Russian’s ankle. The referee was right on top of the play and never hesitated with his decision.
Azerbaijan fans, none too pleased with the score and the red card, showered debris on Russia as they attempted to take a corner in the 79th minute. It took a couple minutes for things to calm down as Azerbaijan players gestured and pleaded with fans to allow the match to proceed.
Just because Russia needed a tense finish, Azerbaijan pulled even at 1-1 in the 90th minute after a long cross into the area was met by Vagif Dzavadov and headed past Igor Akinfeev.
Azerbaijan: Agayev, Levin, Shukurov, Allahverdiyev, Sadygov, Aliyev, Abishov, Medvedev, Abdullayev (Amirquliyev 79’), Ismayilov (Garayev 45’), Dadasov (Dzavadov 83’)
Goals: Dzavadov (90’)
Russia: Akinfeev, Ignashevich, Berezutsky, Kozlov, Kombarov, Glushakov, Shirokov, Faizulin (Shatov 45’), Kokorin, Kerzhakov, Samedov (Mamayev 82’)
Goals: Shirokov (16’)
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