Alexander Kerzhakov scored twice as Russia cruised to victory over Israel in World Cup qualifying Group F.
Kerzhakov scores twice in second straight win for Capello's men
Alexander Kerzhakov scored twice as Russia cruised to victory over Israel in World Cup qualifying Group F.
The match was all but over as a contest inside 20 minutes as Kerzhakov and Aleksandr Kokorin put the visitors 2-0 up in Ramat Gan.
Kerzhakov made it 3-0 in the 64th minute and Viktor Faitzulin added a fourth as Fabio Capello's side made it two wins from two qualifiers.
The opening goal came from a free-kick in the sixth minute. Having been fouled by Tal Ben Haim, Kerzhakov stepped up to fire the ball into the top left corner from around 25 yards.
He dragged another effort wide and the opening exchanges were generally scrappy, but Russia doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when Kokorin beat Mallorca keeper Dudu Aouate from 12 yards.
The visitors were dominant and could have had more goals before the interval, but Dennis Glushakov's and Vasili Berezutskiy's efforts were too high and Aouate saved unconvincingly from Kerzhakov.
But Israel enjoyed a spell of pressure shortly before the interval, starting when Bebras Natcho volleyed over from long range.
Maharan Radi wasted a good chance to pull a goal back when his close-range volley also cleared the crossbar, and he was off target twice more in stoppage-time.
Israel introduced Eden Ben Basat and Ben Sahar at the break and the former headed Natcho's free-kick over shortly afterwards.
Glushakov and Alexander Samedov threatened for Russia before Ben Basat headed Hen Hzra's corner wide.
But Russia put the game well and truly to bed when Faitzulin crossed from the left and Kerzhakov slotted home from six yards.
And Faitzulin grabbed a goal of his own in the 77th minute, converting Samedov's low cross at the near post.
Radi and Yoav Ziv were unable to conjure an Israeli goal as their side finished well beaten.
