Russia beat Macedonia 2-0 to revive Euro 2008 campaign

SKOPJE, Nov 15 (Reuters) Two first-half goals powered Russia to a 2-0 win over Macedonia in a Euro 2008 qualifier today and revived their hopes of reaching the finals from Group E.

Vladimir Bystrov opened the scoring in the 18th minute, driving the ball into the top of the net after a Diniyar Bilyaletdinov cross from the left. Andrei Arshavin made it 2-0 with a great solo effort 15 minutes later.

The game was briefly interrupted when Macedonian riot police clashed with Russian fans in the stands following Arshavin's goal. Some 300 Russians travelled to Skopje for the match.

Arshavin could have added a third midway through the second half but waited too long to shoot.

Macedonia, missing suspended strikers Goran Pandev and Ilco Naumoski, who both scored in a 3-0 victory over Andorra last month, rarely threatened Russia keeper Igor Akinfeyev.

Goran Maznov had the best chance for the home side, just going wide with a powerful header following a fine cross by Robert Petrov shortly after the interval.

The Russians, however, comfortably held on for victory to remain unbeaten under their Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.

The win put them temporarily at the top of Group E with eight points from four matches while Macedonia, who also held England to a 0-0 draw in Manchester last month, dropped to fifth place with seven points after five games.

England, Israel and Croatia all have seven points, with the Israelis hosting the Croats in Tel Aviv later today.

Reuters SY VP0007