Euro 2020: Aleksandr Sobolev penalty gives Russia 1-0 win over Bulgaria in build-up

Captain Artem Dzyuba, on the brink of becoming Russia's all-time top scorer, was substituted for Sobolev in the 58th minute to generate some attacking pace.

Published : Jun 05, 2021 22:59 IST , MOSCOW

Russia's Aleksandr Sobolev scores his side's opening goal during the friendly match against Bulgaria on Saturday.
Russia's Aleksandr Sobolev scores his side's opening goal during the friendly match against Bulgaria on Saturday.
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Russia's Aleksandr Sobolev scores his side's opening goal during the friendly match against Bulgaria on Saturday.

Substitute Aleksandr Sobolev's late penalty earned Russia a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in its final warm-up friendly before the European Championship kicks off next Friday.

Sobolev coolly directed his penalty into the left corner in the 84th minute, sending Bulgarian goalkeeper Georgi Georgiev the wrong way.

Captain Artem Dzyuba, on the brink of becoming Russia's all-time top scorer, was substituted for Sobolev in the 58th minute to generate some attacking pace.

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Russia dominated possession but its tepid attack struggled to break down Bulgaria's back line.

Russia missed a chance to open the scoring in the 73rd minute when defender Yuri Zhirkov's effort was tipped away by a diving Georgiev.

Russia take on Belgium, the world's top-ranked team, on home turf in St. Petersburg in its opening Euro match on June 12.

It will also face Denmark and surprise qualifiers Finland in Group B.

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