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Luck abandons Hiddink, Russia miss World Cup
Published 19 November, 2009, 00:58
Edited 19 November, 2009, 21:36
Russia won’t be present in South Africa next summer after a dramatic 1-0 loss in the second leg of their World Cup playoffs against Slovenia.
Guus Hiddink’s men came into the match having a 2-1 advantage after the first game in Moscow on Saturday and needed at least a draw to advance.
But Slovenia was the better side in the first half. They dominated possession against a nervous Russia led by Andrey Arshavin, who produced, probably, one of his worst displays in recent years.
The host created enough chances before eventually taking the lead in the 44th minute through Zlatko Dedic, who capitalized on the long ball, 1-0.
Russia looked eager to save the game after the break, but their plans were hampered by the referee. Norwegian Terje Hauge red carded substitute Aleksandr Kerzhakov for what he considered an assault on Slovenian keeper Samir Handanovic.
But despite being a man down, Russia managed to lock the Slovenian’s into their box at the end of the game. Yury Zhirkov came close to making it 1-all, but Handanovic saved his country in the near corner.
Russia was looking for a goal till the final second of the game but failed to score, and Zhirkov came into focus again, getting a second yellow in stoppage time.
Despite a 2-2 aggregate score, Slovenia now progresses to South Africa 2010 due to an away goal in Moscow.
And Russia has another four years to wait for the World Cup, a tournament they last played back in 2002.
Read also – Russia’s World Cup Disaster: Totally unacceptable!
