International Women's Friendlies
India, fielding a youthful side that included six debutants, defended resolutely in the opening half with Russia enjoying the majority of possession. Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, making her first international start, was also called into action regularly as the visitors pushed forward.
Russia finally found a way through in the 41st minute, with Sheina holding off the Indian defence before steering a precise finish into the bottom corner to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage at the interval.
Russia finally found a way through in the 41st minute, with Sheina holding off the Indian defence before steering a precise finish into the bottom corner to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage at the interval.
Heavy rain made conditions increasingly difficult after the restart and Russia stepped up the pressure, with Natalia Mashina and Petukhova both threatening before the latter doubled their advantage on the hour.
Nadezhda Smirnova's long-range effort bounced awkwardly off the wet surface and, after Monalisha could only parry, Petukhova reacted quickest to finish from close range.
Nadezhda Smirnova's long-range effort bounced awkwardly off the wet surface and, after Monalisha could only parry, Petukhova reacted quickest to finish from close range.
Petukhova struck again five minutes later, capitalising after India failed to clear the danger inside the penalty area to make it 3-0.
Russia maintained their grip on proceedings and Svistunova added the fourth in the 81st minute, controlling a delivery from the left before firing past Monalisha.
The teams will meet again at the same venue on Sunday.
Photos: AFP
Russia maintained their grip on proceedings and Svistunova added the fourth in the 81st minute, controlling a delivery from the left before firing past Monalisha.
The teams will meet again at the same venue on Sunday.
Photos: AFP
