Russia comeback too good for Israel
Saturday, May 21, 2011
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Israel 1-3 Russia
Anton Khodyrev was Russia's match-winner, creating the second goal and scoring the third as his side moved top of Group 5.
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Russia came from behind to beat Israel 3-1 and move top of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship elite round Group 5 table.
Israel went ahead on five minutes through Amir Agajev but Russia hit back through Magomed Ozdoev and Emin Makhmudov before Anton Khodyrev sealed the victory that puts Russia top of the standings on goal difference from the Czech Republic.
Buoyed by their impressive draw against the Netherlands last time out, Israel started the match in impressive fashion and were ahead early on thanks to Amir's fine strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The lead lasted just nine minutes though, Ozdoev's excellent free-kick drawing Russia level before Makhmudov (29) put his side ahead after some neat build-up play involving Khodyrev. Viacheslav Daev's men put the game beyond Israel's reach in the second half, Khodyrev tapping in from close range with 25 minutes to play.
Russia face the Netherlands in the final round of matches in the phase on Tuesday while Israel require a handsome victory against the Czech Republic to have any hope of qualifying.
