Russia (15) v (1) France

By Claire Varley

Russia defeated France 15-1 today in an exciting match which compensated for Russia’s crushing 7-6 loss to Afghanistan in a fiery showdown this morning.

With the temperature rising in the Federation Square stadium, Russia's 007, Mikhail Derveyankin scored in the first minute, before setting up a goal for Andrey Pletnev and then taking another for himself.

Cries of “Alle le bleu” or “Go the blue”, rallied the French team, but the Russians continued to set up good striking opportunities.

Aleksandr Khachiyan took two goals for Russia before France got their first goal of the match with a light touch into goal.

Russia responded with a quick goal from Pletnev, followed by a successful penalty shot off the yellow boot of Rostislav Zhuravlev. The score at half time sat at 7-1, in Russia's favour.

Russia opened the second half with an efficient goal from Khachiyan.

Working patiently to set up good striking opportunities, Russia seemed to pick off the goals, with Khachiyan and David Davtyan taking two each.

The French keeper was kept on his toes as the ball danced across the goal face, rewarding Andrey Pletnev with his third goal for the match.

Davtyan took his third goal as the crowd's desperate cries of “Alle le bleu” intensified.

But the Russians could do no wrong, with strong attacking and defending as their unfaltering energy allowed them to dominate the entire pitch.

A French penalty in the last minute failed to produce a goal as the Russian keeper successfully defended his territory.

A final fumble by the tired, hard-working French keeper saw another Russian goal from Valeriy Kalachev which sealed Russia’s first win of the secondary stage with 15-1.

Photos: Photoworx