The world press has been shocked by Russia’s unimaginative game against minnows Moldova in their third Euro 2016 qualifier.

 

Here’s a headline from Sky Sports: ‘Russia held by Moldova in Moscow’

 

USA Today (via AP) has been critical of Russia who “struggled to break down a dogged Moldovan defense” and “failed to create any good-quality chances” in the first half. “The result leaves Capello's Russia team second in Group G,” it adds.

 

 

 

“We dominated throughout the match. We knew Moldova would stay in their box and play defensively. They filled the box with five defenders and had two defensive midfielders,” Uefa.com cites forward Artiom Dzyuba as saying.

 

Bleacher Report has been far more straightforward in its criticism.

“Russia, under Fabio Capello, made a huge blunder this weekend by dropping points at home to lowly Moldova. A penalty put the Russians ahead before they immediately conceded to the side ranked outside the Top 100 in the world.”

 

“A 1-1 draw at home against such a side is an abysmal result for Russia, who must be worried at the lack of progress made under Capello ahead of them hosting the 2018 World Cup,” it adds.

 

Sports Mole praised Moldova for pulling off a huge upset for Russia.

 

Russia failed to get three points in the Euro 2016 qualifer, making it ever more difficult to secure a seat at the European championship.

 

Artiom Dzyuba earned a penalty in a battle against defenders and opened the scoring in what appeared to be a bleak game.

 

Moldova equalized a minute later, thanks to a header by Alexander Epuryanu, a former Anzhi Makhachkala player.

 

Thirty thousand fans who came to cheer the national team at the newly-opened Otkritie Stadium have booed the players for the lackluster performance.

Sources: http://www.sport-express.ru