Two-goal victory for Russia in Malta as World Cup Qualifiers kick off

Malta 1-3 Russia
2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Group H
Wednesday 24 March, Ta’Qali National Stadium

Goals: Malta - Mbong (56); Russia - Dzyuba (23), Fernandes (35), Sobolev (90)

The first matchday of the World Cup Qualifiers brought Stanislav Cherchesov’s team an away victory in Malta. The Russians left the pitch at half-time with a two-goal advantage thanks to Artem Dzyuba, who became the second-highest national team scorer with 27 goals, and Mario Fernandes. Joseph Mbong cut the visitors’ lead with an impressive strike, but after coming from the bench Aleksand Sobolev sealed Russia's first win in the qualifiers at the death.

Other group results included a goalless draw between Cyprus and Slovakia and 1-0 victory for Slovenia against 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia.

Next World Cup qualifiers: Saturday 27 March - Russia vs Slovenia; Slovakia vs Malta