Russia (11) v (3) Lithuania

By Andrew Erlanger

RUSSIA has reaffirmed its status as one of the teams to watch in the 2008 Homeless World Cup with an emphatic 11-3 victory over Lithuania.

The win pulls Russia within three points of Afghanistan at the top of the Group C table, while the Lithuanians slip to fourth spot.

David Davtyan was the star of the show, slotting a phenomenal five goals for the Russians despite only playing out two-thirds of the match. Also wowing the crowd was the Russian goalkeeper as he launched a myriad of spectacular saves.

The Russians dictated play from the outset, dominating possession as they stormed to an early 5-0 advantage. The fifth goal, driven home with Bond-like precision from the aptly numbered 007 - Mikhail Derevyankin – seemed have opened up an unassailable lead.

The Lithuanians refused to dampen in spirit, and back-to-back goals reduced the deficit to three goals. The Russians, however, were simply too strong and a quick reply handed the side a significant 6-2 half-time advantage.

Russia ensured the second half was carried out in much the same fashion as the first. Attacking from the restart they compiled another five unanswered goals to put the result well and truly beyond doubt.

Photos: Photoworx