Russia 4 Switzerland 1
Dmitry Bulykin scored a hat-trick to power Russia to a convincing 4-1 home win over Group 10 leaders Switzerland in a Euro 2004 qualifier today.
Russia's victory kept alive their chances of qualifying for next year's tournament in Portugal. They need to beat outsiders Georgia in their final match next month, also in Moscow, to secure at least a play-off spot.
The Swiss, who play Ireland in their last qualifier, still lead the group on 12 points, with Russia and Ireland on 11.
Bulykin, playing only his second international, scored three consecutive goals in the 20th, 33rd and 59th minutes to put the hosts in control after Switzerland had taken an early lead.
The Swiss, missing several key players including leading midfielder Hakin Yakin through injury, drew first blood after 12 minutes when Andrei Karyaka fired into his own goal trying to clear a dangerous cross by Stephane Chapuisat.
But Bulykin equalised eight minutes later when he headed into an empty goal after Swiss goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler chased after a loose ball.
The burly Dynamo Moscow striker, who made his international debut in a 1-1 draw with Ireland four days ago, then put the Russians ahead by dribbling past two Swiss defenders inside the box before beating Zuberbuehler with a low 10-metre drive.
Bulykin capped a memorable night by scoring his third with a powerful header following an Alexander Mostovoi corner before Mostovoi sealed the win with another header 18 minutes from time to the delight of a capacity 29,000 crowd.
"I don't feel myself a hero in any way," Bulykin told reporters. "We played as a team and it was a tremendous effort by the entire squad in front of a full stadium, packed by cheering fans.
"As for myself, I was just lucky to be in the right place, at the right time," he added.
Ricardo Cabanas compounded Swiss misery in the 89th minute when he was sent off for striking an opponent.