Russia vs. Morocco: Score, Report and Post-Match Reaction

Vassili Berezutsky and Yuri Zhirkov scored the goals as Russia wrapped up preparations for the FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in Moscow on Friday.

Russia played again without injured midfielder and captain Roman Shirokov, and manager Fabio Capello confirmed after the match that the midfielder will miss the World Cup with an Achilles injury. But Capello and Russia will be pleased with the comfortable nature of the win following last weekend's disappointing 1-1 draw with Norway. 

With Shirokov unavailable, however, Russia's hopes could be diminished, as noted by @arturpetrosyan and others.

The hosts took the lead through Berezutsky, who finished at the second attempt following a corner. Aleksandar Kokorin came close to a second just before half-time, but his shot was saved by Morocco goalkeeper Karim Fegrouche.

Russia's second goal came in spectacular style in the 58th minute, Zhirkov volleying in from the edge of the box.

The match served as Russia's final warm-up friendly ahead of the World Cup, which begins next week in Brazil. Capello's team was drawn into Group H, with Algeria, Belgium and South Korea.

Looking to make the knock-out stages for the first time (since the dissolution of the Soviet Union), Russia will begin their campaign on June 17, against South Korea, before facing matches against Belgium (June 22) and Algeria (June 26).

Morocco did not qualify for the World Cup.

Post-Match Reaction

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