Russia (9) v (5) Germany

By Daniel Wood

The Melbourne Pitch match between Russia and Germany was a battle of two street soccer giants.

Both teams have competed at a first-rate level throughout the entire competition. Prior to this match, Russia and Germany were equal-second place in Group C.With Russia's win, they will advance the Homeless World Cup playoff with Afghanistan, while Germany will playoff for another trophy.

The match was a tough, high-skilled afffair. Leichert knocked in a loose, rebounding ball to score Germany's and the match's first goal.

Kalachev quickly equalised for Russia.

It was a tough competition as both teams brought on substitutes to get the edge over their opponents. Derevyankin, the man affectionately known as Bond as he wears the number 007, was brought on for Russia and wasted no time in scoring.

Russia's Davtyan followed up with another goal, the result of some criss-cross passing designed to confuse the opponent – this is a favourite tactic of the formidable Russian team. With the scores at 3-1, in favour of Russia, Iwan danced around the keeper's arc to give Germany it's second in the closing moments of the first half.

Kalachev opened the second half with a goal for Russia. Shots began to come hard and fast at both ends of the pitch until Germany finally scored, reducing the margin to one, 4-3. Khachiyan scored Russia's fifth moments before Iwan capitalised on fumbled play to score Germany's fourth- the margin again set at a single goal.

Mikhail "James Bond" Derevyankin found the top corner, allowing Russia to pull ahead, 6-4. Helliger responded by smashing one home from mid-pitch for Germany.

As full-time approached both teams were scrabbling for the goal that would win the game.

Davtyan scored for Russia and he was followed by Khachiyan, giving Russia a three-goal lead. At this point, the match seemed certain to go Russia's way and the frustration was too much for Germany's Iwan, who was sent off for losing his temper.

A final goal to Russia, 10 seconds before full-time, gave a final score line of 9-5.

Photos: Photoworx