Key results

Russia 3 Spain 3

Despite going behind twice against a near full-strength Spain in St Petersburg, Russia impressively recovered to grab a draw in this November friendly against the 2010 World Cup winners.

Although setting up with a back five, Russia’s defence couldn’t stop the unlikely figure of Jordi Alba nodding the visitors ahead from a Marco Asensio cross early on. Sergio Ramos extended the lead, converting a penalty after a Daler Kuzyayev handball in the Russian area – but Fyodor Smolov finished well after a lovely Russian move to give the hosts hope before half-time.

They duly equalised soon after the break, as Aleksei Miranchuk tapped home from close range. A second Ramos penalty only two minutes later regained Spain their lead, but Smolov (above) replied once more – his powerful second, the goal of the night, earned his side the draw that suggested they could yet mix it with the big boys.

Russia 1 Turkey 1

Despite the encouragement of the Spain draw, the reality is that Russia will head into their World Cup without a win in their last seven games. Losses to Brazil, Argentina, and France will have been acceptable to a point, but dull draws with Iran and most recently Turkey – coupled with defeat in Austria – have certainly affected the credibility of this Russia team.

Veteran midfielder Aleksandr Samedov put Russia into a first-half lead from a tight angle (below), played in after his front line pressed high in the Turkish half. The hosts continued to press Turkey high up the pitch into the second half, but they struggled to protect central spaces within their high defensive line – and a routine long ball from the Turkish goalkeeper found Yunus Malli free to drive on goal and equalise from distance.

Both Samedov and Fyodor Smolov could have won it late on for Russia, but they didn’t – and Russia head to a home World Cup with only five wins from their last 26 matches. It’s not good form.