Substitute Nejc Pecnik’s late goal gave Slovenia a lifeline in their World Cup qualifying play-off against Russia. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s brace seemed to have put the home side in commanding but Pecnik - only introduced in the 83rd minute in place of Andraz Kirm - pounced two minutes from time for a potentially crucial away goal.

A capacity crowd of 80,000 - which included Russian president Vladimir Putin - had been issued with protective masks to guard against swine flu in the Luzhniki Stadium. (more…)

Antonio Valencia’s deflected injury-time effort preserved Manchester United’s long Champions League unbeaten home record and swept Sir Alex Ferguson’s men into the last 16. Trailing 3-1 to a spirited CSKA Moscow outfit with barely six minutes remaining, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side delved into their box of tricks, pulling a goal back through Paul Scholes before Valencia’s 25-yard effort flew in off Georgi Schennikov.

The perfect ending was denied new dad Wayne Rooney when he curled what would have been the winner over the bar.
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ROME - OCTOBER 01: Luboslav Penev the coach of PFC CSKA Sofia looks on during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between AS Roma and PFC CSKA Sofia, at Olimpico Stadium on October 1, 2009 in Rome, Italy.

Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia suspended nine players for an unspecified period for staying out too late, the club said on Monday. “They’re suspended from the first team for ruining the atmosphere in the club and for violating our rules … by coming home later than allowed,” CSKA coach Luboslav Penev told a news conference.

“They’re suspended from the first team for ruining the atmosphere in the club and for violating our rules … by coming home later than allowed,” CSKA coach Luboslav Penev told a news conference. (more…)

When running on the field and interrupting the game isn’t enough, take it to the next level and do what this dude does…take the penalty kick yourself. This happened over the weekend in the Russian League. Wonder what the punishment for this is in Russia?

[OKS]

Ankar Perm wins the game on a late goal, but Fulham advances 3-2 on aggregate.  Clint Dempsey did not play after suffering a knock in training.

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More than 500 fans of Uefa Cup champions Zenit St Petersburg were arrested on Sunday as violence broke out at their Russian Premier League match with Spartak Moscow. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, and marked the start of the 2009 Russian Premier League season that runs to November.

While it really shouldn’t be that surprising considering Roman Abramovich’s ties, the Russian Football Union has accepted an official approach from Chelsea FC for National Team Head Coach Guus Hiddink.

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