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Russia clinches Euro 2016 qualification, Sweden makes do with play-off

Maxim Zmeyev / Reuters

Russia's comfortable 2-0 victory over Montenegro at the Otkrytie Arena on Monday confirmed second place in Group G and was enough to book its ticket to the Euro 2016 finals.

Sweden battled to a win of the same scoreline against Moldova, but its efforts were in vain as Erik Hamren's side remained in third and will learn its opponent for a two-legged November playoff on Sunday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring for Sweden after being frustrated by the visitor's backs-to-the-wall defending during the earlier exchanges. He escaped the attentions of Moldova's ranks with ease, and feinted the goalkeeper before sliding the ball home.

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An effort from Erkan Zengin doubled the advantage at the Friends Arena, in a game where the host toiled against the inferior opposition.

758 miles away, one of Oleg Kuzmin's bursting runs forward handed Russia the lead over Montenegro in the 33rd minute. The 34-year-old full-back only made his international bow in September, but the goal set the tone for his country as the side went on to control proceedings in Moscow.

Kuzmin goal vs Montenegro

A penalty from Aleksandr Kokorin just four minutes later was enough to cement Russia's place in next year's competition in France.

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