Captain Smolov leads by example as Malta resistance broken

2022 World Cup Qualifiers
Tuesday 7 September, Otkritie Arena
Russia 2-0 Malta

Goals: Russia - Smolov 10', Bakaev 83'

Fedor Smolov celebrated being given the captain's armband by opening the scoring after just 10 minutes, capitalising on a dreadful defensive error to slide it past Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello. 

Despite the breakneck pace of Russia's early play, Malta grew in confidence and had a handful of chances to draw level, but a late penalty was converted by substitute Zelimkhan Bakaev to seal the win. 

Rostov defender Maksim Osipenko kept a clean sheet, and almost scored in added time, but his toe-poke finish was adjudged to have not quite crossed the goal line. 

After six matches, Russia remain top of Group H on 13 points, while Malta stay fifth on four points.

Next World Cup qualifiers: Friday 8 October - Russia vs Slovakia; Malta vs Slovenia