Russia will take on Serbia Friday in its first match after clinching a World Cup berth.
The Russians won Group F despite the odds being against them. The team finished with a record of seven wins, one draw and two losses but scored 20 goals and only conceded five in a group that included Portugal, Israel, Azerbaijan, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. The team opened its campaign with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland at home and followed it up with a 4-0 win in Israel. In its third match Russia defeated Portugal 1-0 with a six minute goal from Aleksandr Kerzhakov. A 1-0 win over Azerbaijan followed before Russia lost 1-0 in Portugal. The team was then stunned 1-0 by Northern Ireland but rebounded with a 4-1 mauling of Luxembourg at home. A 3-1 win over Israel followed and the team then defeated Luxembourg 4-0 at home. The final match of the qualifying round was a 1-1 draw at Azerbaijan. Kerzhakov led Russia with six goals.
Serbia finished third in a group that included Belgium, Croatia, Scotland, Wales and Macedonia. The Serbs ended up with four wins, two draws and four losses in 10 matches with 18 goals for and 11 against. The team finished with three wins at home (including a 6-1 victory over Wales and a 5-1 result over Macedonia) but finished with one win, one draw and three losses on the road.
Prediction: Russia wins 2-0.
Start Time: Kick-off starts at 11:30 a.m. EST.
The match will not be streamed live in the United States.
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