Russia go top of Group F with Israel win

Goals by Vasili Berezutski, Aleksandr Kokorin and Denis Glushakov put Russia top of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group F with two games to spare and left Israel needing a minor miracle if they are to make it to the finals.

Fabio Capello's side had everything to gain from victory in St Petersburg, but for all of their endeavour, failed to trouble visiting goalkeeper Dudu Aouate in the first period. However, they swiftly made amends after the break, centre-back Berezutski playing a one-two with Roman Shirokov before planting the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Within three minutes it was 2-0, Aleksandr Samedov's ball from the right being dispatched tremendously by Kokorin. Aleksandr Kerzhakov passed up two presentable chances, but that was all forgotten when substitute Glushakov tidied up the loose ball to make it 3-0 after Shirokov hit a post with a 74th-minute penalty.

Eran Zahavi converted from Ofir Davidzada's cross in added time, but that goal was of little concern to Russia, who are sure to finish at least second and will take the direct route to Brazil if they win their final fixtures in Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.

Israel, meanwhile, can only finish second if they take maximum points from their final games, provided Portugal lose both of theirs.