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The only consolation for Stanislav Cherchesov’s side, whose last
win was against the Republic of Korea in October, was that they managed to
avoid defeat for the first time this year after previous losses to Brazil,
France and Austria.
Russia, who open the World Cup against Saudi Arabia on June 14,
went ahead in the 36th minute as Alexander Samedov effortlessly chipped
Turkish goalkeeper Serkan Kirintili.
But Turkey substitute Yunus Malli equalised in the 60th minute,
beating veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev with a 25-metre strike.
Despite energetic midfield performances from 22-year-old
playmaker Alexander Golovin and Spartak Moscow’s Roman Zobnin in the first
half, the team struggled to link up with striker Fedor Smolov and failed to
create chances.
Turkey, who did not qualify for the World Cup finals, nearly won
it in the 79th minute when Malli’s shot floated just over the crossbar.
Iran, who face Morocco, Spain and Portugal, became the first of
the 31 visiting finalists to arrive in Russia when they landed at Moscow’s
Vnukovo airport.
Poland said that the shoulder injury suffered by Kamil Glik,
when he fell awkwardly after attempting an overhead kick in training, was
likely to keep the defender out of the World Cup, although a decision was put
off until Thursday.
Germany forward Leroy Sane promised that his omission from the
world champions’ squad would strengthen his resolve as he made his first
comments since being left out of the final 23 on Monday.
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Source: NDO
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