Wales started reasonably well, before Igor Semshev gave Guus Hiddink’s side the lead after a superb run and pass from Arsenal’s midfielder star Andrey Arshavin.
It could have been 2-0 but for a number of fine saves from Wayne Hennessey, denying Kerzhakov and the ever dangerous Arshavin.
But just after half time, John Toshack’s men were level. The impressive Aaron Ramsey whipping a dangerous corner kick into the area with James Collins profiting at the near post.
Wolves midfielder David Edwards should have put Wales 2-1 up when the ball arrived at his feet just 8 yards out, but he fired straight at Igor Akinfeev – the rebound desperately hacked off the line.
A clumsy challenge on the edge of the area gave Russia a free-kick on the edge of the area, which was converted by Sergey Ignaschevich who drilled low into the corner past Hennessey.
Just as Wales’ final half chance went in the dying minutes, the away side grabbed the 3rd goal through Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. It was perhaps undeserved, but the Russians in the end showed why they are only second in the qualifying group to Germany.
Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Collins, Williams, Gabbidon (Vokes 74), Ricketts, Edwards, Stock, Ramsey, Ledley, Bellamy. Subs Not Used: Myhill, Eardley, Cotterill, Morgan, Evans, Earnshaw.
Booked: Ricketts.
Goals: Collins 54.
Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Vasili Berezutsky, Semshov (Pavlyuchenko 70), Arshavin, Semak, Yanbaev, Bystrov, Kerzhakov (Rebko 84), Zyryanov. Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Alexei Berezutsky, Dzagoev, Pogrebniak, Bilyaletdinov.
Booked: Aniukov.
Goals: Semshov 36, Ignashevich 71, Pavlyuchenko 90.
Att: 11,589
Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal).
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.