MOSCOW: Russia defeated Bulgaria 1-0 on Saturday in their final warm-up for the Euro 2020 but there are concerns over experienced defender Fyodor Kudryashov, who suffered a pre-game injury.

Kudryashov ws unable to play after clutching his right calf. The 34-year-old right back, who helped Russia reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, was replaced by Andrei Semenov.

Midfielder Dmitri Barinov also went off early in the second half due to a nose injury.

Aleksandr Sobolev’s lae penalty was enough for the home team to finish preparations with a win. But Stanislav Cherchesov’s team looked far from impressive against a side that hadn’t won in six games since a 3-0 win over Gibraltar last November.

Russia’s first game in the delayed Euro 2020 finals is against Belgium in St. Petersburg on June 12. The joint hosts then play Finland four days later before ending the group stage against Denmark on June 21.

WALES STALEMATE

Wales’ preparations ended with a scoreless draw against Albania in Cardiff.

Visiting goalkeeper Gentian Selmani made a fine save to deny Neco Williams in the best chance of the game in the 74th minute.

Gareth Bale came on for the last 20 minutes for Wales and tempers flared towards the end after a foul on another Wales substitute, Jonny Williams. There were no serious injury worries.

Wales play Switzerland on June 12, then Turkey and Italy.

SWEDISH SMILES

Substitute Marcus Berg scored late as Sweden enjoyed an encouraging 3-1 win over Armenia in Solna.

Emil Forsberg got the home side off to a good start with a free kick that seemed to deceive David Yurchenko in the Armenia goal before defender Marcus Danielson headed Sweden’s second goal in the 34th.

Yurchenko atoned for Forsberg’s opener by saving a penalty from Sebastian Larsson, and Vahan Bichakhchyan pulled one back in the 63rd for the visitors.

But Berg chipped the ball over Yurchenko to seal the win.

Sweden are in Group ‘E’ with Spain, Poland and Slovakia.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2021