Russia held as tour ends
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Article summary
Shimizu S-Pulse 1-1 Russia Russia finish their two-game visit to Japan with a draw against a J-League club.
Article body
Shimizu S-Pulse 1-1 Russia
Russia ended their two-game tour of Japan with a draw against J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse.
First-half lead
Georgi Yartsev's experimental side made up of domestic-based players, who also had a 1-1 result against the Japanese Under-23 team on Wednesday, took the lead at the Nihondaira stadium in the 41st minute when Valeri Essipov crossed from the right and Denis Boyarintsev turned the ball in at the far post.
Hiraoka equaliser
But the home team drew level on 59 minutes as midfield player Naoki Hiraoka sent in an effort that deflected into the net. Russia's next full international is against Bulgaria in Sofia on 31 March, and their UEFA EURO 2004™ campaign begins on the opening day, 12 June, against Spain in Group A.
