Russia once again claimed the points in Group D without really impressing after overcoming a spirited Ghana side 0-3 at the Home Depot Center, Carson, California on Thursday 25 September.

A stunning free kick from Player of the Match Marina Saenko and predatory strikes from Natalia Barbachina and Olga Letyushova in the second half did the damage in an entertaining encounter and means the Europeans head into their final match against China on Sunday with maximum points from their opening two games and with qualification for the quarter-finals virtually secured.

Pointless but with many new fans, Ghana will almost certainly be playing for African pride in their final group encounter versus Australia.

It was an enterprising start with both sides attacking from the off. Ghana, with African footballer of the year Alberta Sackey on the bench, were looking particular bright following their narrow 1-0 loss to China and Florence Okoe had a long range strike fly over the bar (8’).

The Africans were pouring forward at every giving opportunity and from another free-flowing move, Adjoa Bayor turned sweetly on the edge of the box before firing into the arms of Alla Volkova (11’).

Ghana continued to press but Russia, in typical counter-attacking fashion, had a great chance to open the scoring. Running into the box, Olga Letyushova’s had a shot blocked, and then Memunatu Sulemana pulled off a spectacular save beating away Natalia Barbachina’s follow-up (32’).

Four minutes later and the Europeans were ahead against the run of play. Marina Saenko had several ferocious free kicks fantastically saved in the opening match against Australia. But in her first pop versus the Africans, the midfielder gave Sulemana no chance with a superb 20-yard curler from the left side (0-1, 36’).

Ghana responded well and after a great turn and pass by Bayor, Mavis Dgajmah struck her shot from the edge of the box high and wide (42’). Patience Sackey then forced Volkovy into a fine diving save from distance, but despite an excellent first half performance the Black Queens went into the dressing room a goal down.

Yuri Brystritsky’s team began the second period much more brightly and Saenko nearly brought the house down with a swerving 35-yard free kick (50’). Barbachina was again looking dangerous up front and she forced her way through (50’) before cleverly finding space and firing wide minutes later (52’).

After their impressive opening Ghana were beginning to wilt and Russia, almost inevitably, went 2-0 minutes later. Saenko delivered the free kick, Letyushova’s header struck the post and Barbachina followed up to toe poke the ball home high into the net (0-2, 54’).

Alberta Sackey, who had come on at half-time, was sent clean through on goal but poked the ball weakly towards goal and the onrushing Volkova was able to save with her feet (65’).

The game was really opening up now as the Black Queens swarmed forward looking for their first goal of the finals. Dgajmah, showing incredible pace down the right, bore down on goal but pushed her shot well wide from a decent position inside the box (74’).

Always dangerous on the break, the Europeans almost claimed a third but Sulemana made a fine double save from Galina Komorova and Barbachina (76’). She could do nothing though to prevent Letyushova’s right-foot volley hitting the net after Ghana failed to clear a cross (0-3, 80’). Ghana fought bravely after that but there was no way back and the Russians coasted to victory.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+China's growth forecasts revised upwards ( 2003-09-26) +Strong quake hits Japan, one killed ( 2003-09-26) +Focus: Seeking help for AIDS orphans ( 2003-09-26) +Beijing airport mock drill passes terror test ( 2003-09-26) +FM outlines 5-point plan to address global challenges ( 2003-09-26)		+China held 1-1 by Austrilia ( 2003-09-26) +Women's World Cup - Ghana 0 : 3 Russia ( 2003-09-26) +Women's World Cup - USA 5:0 Nigeria ( 2003-09-26) +Recovered Sweden beat cup contenders N. Korea ( 2003-09-26) +Feyenoord, Hamburg, Bordeaux win 2-1 in UEFA Cup ( 2003-09-26)