Russia outclass Finns

Russia thumped Finland 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier in Helsinki, closing the gap on Group Four leaders Germany and damaging Finnish hopes of reaching the finals in South Africa.

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

Goals by Alexander Kerzhakov (pictured) in the 26th and 53rd minutes and Konstantin Zyryanov in the 71st secured the visiting side's victory and Finland rarely threatened Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev.

Russia have 15 points from six matches, one behind Germany and five ahead of Finland.

Finland have notched up only one win in 20 matches against either Russia or the Soviet Union, in at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics when Finland was still part of the Russian empire.

World Cup Qualification UEFA

Russia outclass Finns

Russia thumped Finland 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier in Helsinki, closing the gap on Group Four leaders Germany and damaging Finnish hopes of reaching the finals in South Africa.

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