Stoch strike earns Slovakia victory
Tuesday, 7 September 2010 20:47A first-half strike by Miroslav Stoch after a goalkeeping blunder earned Slovakia a 1-0 win over Russia in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Tuesday.
Stoch capitalised on a bad mistake by Russia keeper Igor Akinfeyev to fire the visitors ahead midway through the first half and against the run of play.
The usually reliable Akinfeyev gave the ball away just outside his penalty box and an unmarked Stoch calmly blasted into the top corner.
The Russians dominated against the defensive-minded Slovaks for much of the game but wasted numerous chances to salvage at least a point.
The win in Moscow gave Slovakia a perfect start in their qualifying campaign following a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Macedonia in Group B on Friday.
Russia, who scraped past lowly Andorra 2-0 in their opener, visit the Aviva Stadium to face the Republic of Ireland on Friday, 8 October.
