（WC官網新聞）http://tinyurl.com/98r4m Russia managed to hold on for a goalless draw against Portugal in a FIFA World Cup qualifier after losing captain Alexei Smertin to a first-half red card. Smertin was sent off just before the break for his second bookable offence but his team-mates managed to grab a point against the Group 3 leaders. Portugal have 24 points from ten matches, while Russia moved up a place to second with 19 points, though Slovakia can overtake them if they overcome Latvia later in the day. Russia, who were looking for revenge for a humiliating 7-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal in October last year, started brightly but Portugal defended well and stifled Russia's attacking moves while making counterattacks of their own. After the break, Portugal stepped up a gear but despite several opportunities they failed to hit the back of the net. （UEFA官網）http://tinyurl.com/7455h Portugal remain in control of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 3 after drawing 0-0 against a Russia side who had to play the second half without dismissed captain Aleksei Smertin. Two wins away The result means Portugal need only defeat Liechtenstein and Latvia at home on 8 and 12 October to qualify for two consecutive World Cups for the first time ever. Russia, five points behind, play Luxembourg before visiting Slovakia for a likely second-place decider. Russian attacks Russia started the match on the offensive, knowing victory was required to keep automatic qualification a realistic prospect. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was the midfield mastermind on the left, and on seven minutes he beat two defenders before crossing for Aleksandr Kerzhakov to force a save from Ricardo. Eleven minutes later Kerzahkov threatened again, robbing Luís Figo, but Ricardo acrobatically stopped his shot which was heading for the top left-hand corner. Ronaldo spirit But Portugal withstood the pressure and then began to launch quick counter- attacks, mainly through the dazzling pace and skills of Cristiano Ronaldo, playing despite the death of his father this morning. On the half-hour mark, after a move involving Maniche, the Manchester United FC winger delivered a first-time shot that was well saved by Igor Akinfeev. Smertin off Smertin was then booked late in the half for fouling Ronaldo, and five minutes later repeated the trick on Costinha, earning a red card that was to change the balance of the match as Portugal dominated the second period. Sergei Ignashevich and Aleksei Berezutski in the Russia defence kept the visiting forwards at bay, though, while Akinfeev saved long-range efforts from Figo, Deco, Maniche and Ronaldo. Visitors denied Pauleta had Portugal's best chance, their only real attempt from inside the box, in the 66th minute, but his header was straight at the goalkeeper. Soon after, substitute Helder Postiga was denied by Akinfeev and Figo's shot hit the body of Ignashevich. Final chances Russia's sole dangerous attacking move in the second half came in the 75th minute, when Andrei Arshavin shot wide from close range after a clever move down the right flank. Portugal had one last chance five minutes from time as João Moutinho tried to finish an attacking move sparked by Figo with a low shot from just outside the box, but the effort was parried away by the outstretched hand of the excellent Akinfeev. -- 　　　╭ ☆ ╭═╮╭═╮╭═╮　╭═╮╭═╮　╭═╮╭╦╮╭═╮╭ 　　　║ ╠═╣╠╦╯║ ～╠─ ║ ║～║ ║ ╠─ ║ 　　　╰═╯ ╰ ╯╰╰╯╰═╯　╰═╯╰ ╯　╰═╯╰╩╯╰═╯╰═╯ 　 ::狂肆綻放的夜晚裡奏著不眠的旋律 浮載於黑暗中的花朵充其量也是餞別:: --

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