NICOSIA, Oct 14 — Russia booked their place in next year’s European Championship finals with a comprehensive 5-0 win over 10-man Cyprus away in Nicosia yesterday.

Russia are the third team to qualify for the 24-team tournament, following Group I rivals Belgium and Italy from Group J.

The Russians needed only draw to ensure a top two finish and qualification but an early strike from Denis Cheryshev set them on their way to a their seventh victory in eight qualification games.

The Valencia winger then turned provider as he set up Magomed Ozdoev for the second goal in the 23rd minute.

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Artem Dyzuba made it 3-0 and Aleksandr Golovin added a fourth with two minutes to play.

Cheryshev finished off the victory with the last shot of the game. — AFP