Russia vs. Liechtenstein, Euro 2016 qualifying: Final score 4-0, Russians ram through

The home side started with total dominance and won an early free kick as Aleksandr Kokorin was fouled just outside the penalty box. Sergei Ignashevich directed towards the goal but a deflection off Liechtenstein defender Martin Buchel gave visiting goalkeeper Peter Jehle no chance.

Russia continued their dominance for the rest of the half but failed to find another breakthrough. Wingers Denise Cheryshev and Aleksandr Samedov dominated the wide areas but their crosses went unanswered.

After the break Capello, brought on Artyom Dzyuba in place of Aleksandr Kerzhakov and the hosts burst into life. Alan Dzagoev found himself running into open space when his shot was initially blocked only for Franz Burgmeier to send the ball into his own net.

Just minutes later, Dzyuba was fouled in another Russian wave and match official Sébastien Delferiere showed no mercy as he pointed to the spot. Korkorin stepped up and sent the ball past Jehle.

Being 3-0 to the good, Fabio Capello’s men continued to surge forward and right back Igor Smolnikov made a brilliant through pass for Kokorin to slice the visitor’s back line down an inside channel. He squared the ball for Dzyuba who scored into an empty net.

As Russia continued their dominance, Fabio Capello made a symbolic change as goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev made way for Yuri Lodygin.

Russia can now march on in confidence to Solna where they will face Sweden on October 11. Meanwhile, Liechtenstein can look to forward to their home fixture against Montenegro.

Russia: Akinfeev (Lodygin 72’); Smolnikov, Ignashevich, V. Berezutski, Kombarov; Samedov, Glushakov, Dzagoev (Odzoev ‘64’), Cheryshev; Kokorin, Kerzhakov (Dzyuba 46’)

Goals: M. Büchel (4’ o.g.), Burgmeier (50’ o.g.), D. Kombarov (54’ p.k.), Dzyuba (65’)

Liechtenstein: Jehle; Quintans (Wolfinger 87’), Frick, Wisier, Burgmeier; Polverino (Gubser 74’), Yildiz, M. Buchel, Nasler, Christen (Brandle 64’); Salanovic

Goals: None