EVERTON midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was Russia’s hero on Saturday as his two goals earned them a 2-1 first-leg victory over Solvenia in their World Cup qualification play-off.
But teammate Sergei Semak admitted Slovenia’s late goal has left him uneasy ahead of the return clash.
Russia dominated the match and led through Bilyaletdinov’s brace. But substitute Nejc Pecnik’s header two minutes from time left the tie in the balance, and they could even have levelled as Marko Suler forced a superb stoppage-time save from Igor Akinfeev.
Semak said: “The match left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I’m pleased we won, but on the other hand, the way the game ended doesn’t leave you at ease in the run-up for the next match.”
Slovenia produced little in attack and Robert Koren’s 88th-minute shot in the build-up to Pecnik’s goal was their first on target.
Semak added: “They didn’t surprise us because it was obvious that they came here with the aim of not allowing a goal. Only after we scored the second goal did they go all out.”
Goalscorer Bilyaletdinov opted to let his football do the talking, offering only the assertion that: “All commentaries will be after the second match.”
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek was relieved after Pecnik’s contribution.
