Igor Semshov scored a first-half winner to lead Russia to a 1-0 victory over Macedonia in Euro 2012 qualifying.
Andrei Arshavin began Russia's attack down the left flank in the 41st minute, passing to Roman Shirokov, who fed Semshov in the middle of the box. Semshov's low shot slightly ricocheted off the outstretched leg of a defender and Martin Bogationov saw the ball into the back of the net.
The result put Russia provisionally top of Group B with 16 points after seven games. Ireland and Slovakia, both with 13 points after six matches, were scheduled to play in a later match.
''I'm very happy with the result. It was a difficult match, especially the first half,'' Russia coach Dick Advocaat said. ''We had enough chances to have two or three goals.''
Macedonia opened strongly and constantly threatened Russia with shots from outside the box.
''It was a tough game. We expected a difficult match,'' said new Macedonia coach John Toshack, who replaced Mirsad Jonuz last month.
Vyacheslav Malafeev, who will replace Russia's injured first-choice goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev for the rest of the qualifying, blocked shots from Ivan Trickovski early in the match.
Russia had plenty of possession in the first half but lacked a cutting edge until Semshov's goal. Semshov was replaced by Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko in the second half and Russia was more comfortable.
Alexander Kerzhakov, Arshavin and Dmitry Tornbinsky missed chances to make the win more comfortable.
Goran Popov came close to equalizing for the visitors in injury time but Malafeev blocked his shot from just inside the box.
Macedonia has four points from seven games. Russia next hosts Ireland on Tuesday.
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Lineups:
Russia: Vyacheslav Malafeev, Alexander Anyukov, Vasiliy Berezutski, Alexei Berezutski, Yuri Zhirkov, Igor Semshov (Roman Pavlyuchenko, 46), Igor Denisov, Roman Shirokov, Konstantin Zyryanov (Dmitry Torbinsky, 60), Alexander Kerzhakov (Denis Glushakov, 88), Andrey Arshavin.
Macedonia: Martin Bogatinov, Vance Sikov, Goran Popov, Nikolce Noveski, Ivan Trickovski, Velice Sumulikoski (Muarem Muarem, 85), Muhamed Demiri, Goran Pandev, Agim Ibraimi (Ferhan Hasani, 66), Daniel Georgievski, Mirko Ivanovski (Aleksandar Trajkovski, 75).
