Guilherme makes history as Russia floor Lithuania

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Brazilian-born goalkeeper Guilherme made history when he went on as a halftime substitute in Russia's 3-0 friendly victory over Lithuania on Saturday.





The Lokomotiv Moscow stopper became the first player born outside of Russia to represent the national team when he replaced Stanislav Kritsyuk.

The 30-year-old Guilherme, who received his Russian passport last year, had little to do as the European Championship finalists eased to a comfortable win.

Fedor Smolov scored five minutes before halftime while Alexander Golovin and Denis Glushakov were on target after the break for Leonid Slutskiy's side.

Coach Slutskiy named a largely experiential lineup with only Sergei Ignashevich and Igor Smolnikov likely to start their first Euro 2016 game against England in Marseille on June 11.

Smolov was given a chance to stake his claim for a place at the finals in France and the Krasnodar forward impressed in a 45-minute outing.

He broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with an excellent left-foot finish beyond keeper Vytautas Cerniauskas after being sent clear by Dmitri Tarasov's pass.

It was Smolov's fifth goal on his 11th international appearance.

Substitute Golovin then made it 2-0 after pouncing on a knock-down from Alexander Kerzhakov.

Glushakov made sure of the win when he headed the ball in at the near post following a corner.

Lithuania failed to qualify for Euro 2016.





(Editing by Tony Jimenez)


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Published 27 March 2016 5:38am
Source: Reuters


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