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Belarus win tournament, Russia finish last

Updated: Tuesday May 21, 2002 12:50 p.m. ET

MOSCOW, May 19 (Reuters) - Belarus claimed a shock 2-0 upset victory over Ukraine in the final of a four-team international tournament on Sunday to win the $60,000 first prize.

But Russia's World Cup hopes suffered another setback on home soil when they lost 6-5 in a penalty shootout to a makeshift Yugoslavian side in the consolation match to finish last.

Belarus, considered outsiders in the tournament, went 1-0 ahead thanks to a 48th-minute strike by Dynamo Kiev midfielder Valentin Belkevich.

Alexander Hleb sealed the victory in the 63rd minute when the Stuttgart midfielder outsprinted Ukraine captain Olexander Golovko and beat goalkeeper Olexander Shovkovsky after a brilliant 40-metre solo run.

The win was especially gratifying for Belkevich, who also scored in Friday's semifinal against Russia and was voted the tournament's most valuable player.

Last September, Belarus coach Eduard Malofeyev accused Belkevich and his Kiev team mate Alexander Khatskevich of not giving their best following a 2-0 home defeat by Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier.

On Sunday, Malofeyev said that incident was forgotten and praised Belkevich's performance.

The Ukrainians, without AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, created few problems for a discipline Belarus defence.

Ukrainian players wore black armbands in memory of Dynamo Kiev coach Valery Lobanovsky, who died last Monday.

The Russians, who also lost to Belarus on penalties on Friday, were subjected to a chorus of boos and whistles as they walked off the pitch in their last game before leaving for the World Cup finals, which start on May 31.

Russia were the only team in the tournament to be taking part in the World Cup, where they have been drawn in the same first-round group as Japan, Belgium and Tunisia.

Russia coach Oleg Romantsev, famous for lashing out against journalists and not attending post-match news conferences, was missing once again, sending his assistant Sergei Pavlov instead.

DISAPPOINTING RUSSIA

"Of course, we're disappointed because we came here to test our players and also to win this tournament," said Pavlov. "We will talk to all our players before making a final decision on our World Cup squad, which we will announce on Tuesday."

With the score level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the teams went straight to a shoot-out where Yugoslav keeper Dragoslav Evric saved the last penalty by Yuri Kovtun to give his side victory.

Darko Kovacevic put the visitors ahead with a low shot, which went in off the post in the 54th minute, making amends for missing a penalty in Friday's 2-0 defeat by Ukraine in the semifinals.

Eighteen-year-old striker Dmitry Sychyov saved Russia from total embarrassment when he equalised three minutes from time.

Unlike in the defeat to Belarus, Russia fielded their top team but they were short on ideas and skill.

They also lost playmaker Alexander Mostovoi, who limped off the pitch after just four minutes. "I think Mostovoi pulled a hamstring and we will evaluate his condition before making a decision on his World Cup future," said Pavlov.

The Yugoslavs, without many of their top players including captain Sinisa Mihaijlovic who was sent off for fighting at the end of Friday's semifinal, looked the better side during a first half played in driving rain and hail.

A Dejan Stankovic freekick hit the crossbar in the 20th minute and a diving header from Vladimir Ivic went just wide 10 minutes later.

The win was also a small consolation for Yugoslavia, who were beaten by Russia in their World Cup qualifying group.

"I didn't like the officiating that much but I'm satisfied with the result," said Yugoslavia coach Dejan Savicevic.

"We missed several chances in the first half but we showed some team character in the second, so we can build the team around this players for the upcoming European (championship) qualifiers."

Copyright 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

 


 
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