[國家] 葡萄牙無奈戰平10人俄羅斯
（WC官網新聞）http://tinyurl.com/98r4m
Russia managed to hold on for a goalless draw against Portugal in a FIFA
World Cup qualifier after losing captain Alexei Smertin to a first-half red
card.
Smertin was sent off just before the break for his second bookable offence but
his team-mates managed to grab a point against the Group 3 leaders. Portugal
have 24 points from ten matches, while Russia moved up a place to second with
19 points, though Slovakia can overtake them if they overcome Latvia later in
the day.
Russia, who were looking for revenge for a humiliating 7-1 defeat at the hands
of Portugal in October last year, started brightly but Portugal defended well
and stifled Russia's attacking moves while making counterattacks of their own.
After the break, Portugal stepped up a gear but despite several opportunities
they failed to hit the back of the net.
（UEFA官網）http://tinyurl.com/7455h
Portugal remain in control of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 3 after drawing
0-0 against a Russia side who had to play the second half without dismissed
captain Aleksei Smertin.
Two wins away
The result means Portugal need only defeat Liechtenstein and Latvia at home on
8 and 12 October to qualify for two consecutive World Cups for the first time
ever. Russia, five points behind, play Luxembourg before visiting Slovakia for
a likely second-place decider.
Russian attacks
Russia started the match on the offensive, knowing victory was required to
keep automatic qualification a realistic prospect. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was
the midfield mastermind on the left, and on seven minutes he beat two defenders
before crossing for Aleksandr Kerzhakov to force a save from Ricardo. Eleven
minutes later Kerzahkov threatened again, robbing Luís Figo, but Ricardo
acrobatically stopped his shot which was heading for the top left-hand corner.
Ronaldo spirit
But Portugal withstood the pressure and then began to launch quick counter-
attacks, mainly through the dazzling pace and skills of Cristiano
Ronaldo, playing despite the death of his father this morning. On the half-hour
mark, after a move involving Maniche, the Manchester United FC winger delivered
a first-time shot that was well saved by Igor Akinfeev.
Smertin off
Smertin was then booked late in the half for fouling Ronaldo, and five minutes
later repeated the trick on Costinha, earning a red card that was to change
the balance of the match as Portugal dominated the second period. Sergei
Ignashevich and Aleksei Berezutski in the Russia defence kept the visiting
forwards at bay, though, while Akinfeev saved long-range efforts from Figo,
Deco, Maniche and Ronaldo.
Visitors denied
Pauleta had Portugal's best chance, their only real attempt from inside the
box, in the 66th minute, but his header was straight at the goalkeeper. Soon
after, substitute Helder Postiga was denied by Akinfeev and Figo's shot hit
the body of Ignashevich.
Final chances
Russia's sole dangerous attacking move in the second half came in the 75th
minute, when Andrei Arshavin shot wide from close range after a clever move
down the right flank. Portugal had one last chance five minutes from time as
João Moutinho tried to finish an attacking move sparked by Figo with a low
shot from just outside the box, but the effort was parried away by the
outstretched hand of the excellent Akinfeev.
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║ ╠═╣╠╦╯║ ～╠─ ║ ║～║ ║ ╠─ ║
╰═╯ ╰ ╯╰╰╯╰═╯ ╰═╯╰ ╯ ╰═╯╰╩╯╰═╯╰═╯
::狂肆綻放的夜晚裡奏著不眠的旋律 浮載於黑暗中的花朵充其量也是餞別::
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