Published: 10 October, 2009, 20:58
Edited: 11 October, 2009, 20:00
More than 70,000 fans at Moscow Luzhniki arena and millions across Russia witnessed the national football team lose a crucial preliminary match against Germany.
After an ultimately disappointing home game, Russia now will now have to take part in a play-off game against a runner-up from another group to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
Guus Hiddink chose a predictable formation, with just one unique element – Dinamo’s Aleksandr Kerzhakov as the only forward. His former partner at Zenit St. Petersburg Andrey Arshavin took the role of the main attacking midfielder.
Both teams started the game at a high pace, but the guests had the upper hand in terms of shots on goal in the first 20 minutes, with Miroslav Klose and Mesut Özil both missing their chances.
A Yury Zhirkov free-kick marked the switch of play from the Russian half to the German one. Vladimir Bystrov, set to become the main attacking force of the home team, had a tete-a-tete with German goalkeeper Rene Adler after a cross from Arshavin.
However, after Bystrov’s electrifying challenge at Adler, the guests were soon on the offensive again.
Podolski set up Özil in space on the left wing and he had the best of fullback Aleksandr Anyukov and crossed to Klose, who somehow managed to overtake Sergey Ignashevich and score.
The goal took the wind out of Russia’s sails. It took them a whole half time intermission to recover. The Russians were on the attack after the break, but the tactical fouls – traditionally a German virtue – reared their ugly head.
The expulsion of Boateng earned by a pacy Bystrov gave some hope to the home side, but despite the Russian advantage, controversial referee Massimo Busakka denied a nigh-on clear penalty in the 86th minute.
Germany leave Moscow at the top of the group, leaving an uncertain Russia to fend for themselves in the upcoming playoffs.