Scotland (3) v (7) Russia
Scotland (3) v (7) Russia
By Sebastian James
THE SECOND semi-final of the 2008 Homeless World Cup has ended in a 7-3 win for Russia over Scotland.
The Russians opened the match with gaining control of the ball and not letting Scotland touch the ball.
The pressure paid off after two minutes, after multiple passes between them the Russians stretched the defence allowing Mikhail Derevyankin a shot at the back post, which he was able to put away.
Scotland bounced straight back though, and less then a minute later equalised through Alec Wade, who finished with a shot that snuck under the goalkeeper.
A penalty awarded to the Scotland side put them in from for a short period. Just before the end of the half the Russians equalised, this time through Valeriy Kalachev.
A determined Russian side came back out after the half time break and proceeded to score three quick goals that deflated Scotland's confidence.
The first two completed Derevyankin's hat trick, both coming from turn overs that had come from great Russian pressure.
Derevyankin then setup his team mate, Aleksandr Khachiyan for his first goal of the match and the Russians had a four goal lead.
Kevin Begley came on to immediate effect for Scotland, scoring a goal that seemed to lift his team and their pressure.
The match was then put beyond them, when a break for Russia allowed David Davtyan to place a shot under the Scottish keeper.
The match ended in controversy after a player for both teams were shown a blue card for a scuffle.
The win for Russia puts them up against Afghanistan in the final, after the Middle-Eastern side triumphed over Ghana in the first semi-final.
Photo Richard Sharman / Photoworx