Russia’s poor season was extended by Qatar in a friendly game which brought together the future World Cup hosts.
Russia lost its two previous friendlies against Belgium and Iran and looked on course to losing a third straight.
Former Ghana boss Milovan Rajevac had more to cheer in his first appearance as
Qatar coach, as his side scored first before 9,500 at Al Sadd Stadium in Doha. Kasola rose unopposed at the back post to head home for 1-0.
And the hosts were close to scoring two more times in the first 10 minutes of play, as they hit post twice.
Only then did the Russians seem to wake up. Roman Pavlyuchenko leveled proceedings in the 34th minute. And despite Dick Advocaat’s charges having several good opportunities to score in the second half, this strike proved to be the last goal of the game.
Meanwhile, in Tuesday’s game Russia beat the national record of 374 minutes without a goal – plenty of food for thought for Advocaat.