ISR 0-4 RUS: Russian Goal Party in Tel Aviv

September 15th, 2012 | by: nick | Comments Off

The Ramat Gan stadium was the site of a what can be described as a Russian goal party as the home side were routed with four goals. Russian fans do not have good memories the last time they traveled to Israel after watching qualification hopes for Euro 2008 nearly collapse. Tuesday evening however, the Russian sbornya showed a dominant performance and walked away with a solid victory.

Squad
This match was clearly the emergence of Viktor Fayzulin as a menacing weapon in Russian attack. His contribution to the two latter goals cements him as one of the first choice midfielders. Similarly, Alexander Samedov on came early and maintained complete control of the rightwing and eventually provided the cross for Fayzulin to complete the goal tally. The crown player of the evening was obviously Aleksandr Kerzhakov who scored two goals and gave Russia the early momentum.

Formation
Capello continued with a 4-2-3-1 which worked optimally. Russia controlled the match in every respect including the midfield, flanks, and upper third. The Denisov-Shirokov partnership in midfield, replacing the Semshov-Zyrianov duo, dictated the pace of the game and built the play leading to the second and third goals. At the start of the second half, the formation responded well to Israel’s attacks, putting ten men behind the ball.

Impact Players
Aleksandr Kerzhakov: After not making the scoresheet at Euro 2012, he is coming back to form with two goals to put the game into Russia’s hands.

Viktor Fayzilin: He put on a second straight solid performance. He is clearly the successor to Igor Semshov in central midfield.

Worst Moment
Minute 44: A lapse in concentration allows Mahran Radi to pick up a long cross with room to slot it in but he fails to do so giving Russia relief in a late Israeli attack.

Best Moment
Minute 64: A beautiful passing play puts Fayzulin on the inner left wing who volleys over to an advancing Kerzhakov to triple the advantage.