Russia 0 Slovakia 1:A FIRST-HALF strike by Miroslav Stoch after a goalkeeping blunder earned Slovakia a shock 1-0 win over Russia in Moscow yesterday.

Stoch capitalised on a bad mistake by Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev to fire the visitors ahead midway through the first half and against the run of play.

The usually reliable Akinfeyev gave the ball away just outside his penalty box and an unmarked Stoch calmly blasted into the top corner. The Russians dominated against the defensive-minded Slovaks for much of the game but wasted numerous chances to salvage at least a point.

The win in Moscow gave Slovakia a perfect start in their qualifying campaign following a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Macedonia on Friday. Russia now face a tricky trip to Ireland next month.

A penalty four minutes into added time by Ilco Naumosk gave FYR Macedonia a 2-2 draw against Armenia.