Russia 4-0 Scotland: Dzyuba at the double in Moscow mauling

Moscow, October 11: Artem Dzyuba struck twice and Magomed Ozdoev scored a stunner as Russia wrapped up a deserved 4-0 win over Scotland in Group I of Euro 2020 qualifying.

All four goals came in the second half as the hosts threw off the shackles of a frustrating opening 45 minutes, Dzyuba opening the scoring with a volley just before the hour.

Ozdoev rifled home the pick of the bunch three minutes later and Dzyuba took his tally for the campaign to eight before Aleksandr Golovin compounded Scotland's misery in Moscow.

The result puts Russia on the brink of qualification, while Steve Clarke's Scotland have the significant consolation of knowing they are already assured of a play-off spot courtesy of their Nations League exploits.

Clarke made six changes from the 4-0 loss to Belgium, handing debuts to John Fleck and Michael Devlin, but Russia controlled proceedings from the outset.

Despite that, they struggled for clear-cut openings before the break, Fedor Kudryashov firing off target when well placed at the back post to underline their lack of a cutting edge.

Stanislav Cherchesov's side, who won the reverse fixture 2-1, continued to press forward and Aleksey Ionov saw a strike blocked by Charlie Mulgrew, with goalkeeper David Marshall remaining untested in the opening 30 minutes.

He was relieved to see Golovin's curling free-kick dip narrowly over the crossbar as Russia's frustration grew further in a scoreless first half.

Dzyuba eventually broke the deadlock when he connected with Golovin's corner and Ozdoev lit up the contest with an unstoppable drive from outside the box.

There was further punishment to come for Scotland, who have now shipped 13 goals across four consecutive losses, with Dzyuba poking into the net amid some questionable defending.

Golovin added further gloss with a coolly taken side-footed effort to cap a fine performance from Russia.

What does it mean? Russia on the brink, Scotland eye alternative route

Russia are eight points ahead of third-placed Cyprus with three games remaining, making their qualification all but certain. On this display, they will fancy their chances of getting the job done in Nicosia at the weekend.

For Scotland, the remaining trio of group matches represent an opportunity to build some form heading into the play-offs.

Danger man Dzyuba at the double

Cherchesov's side were on top throughout a one-sided contest but the breakthrough seemed like it may never come.

That was until talisman Dzyuba stepped up and got his side off the mark, breaking down Scotland's resolve and leaving them vulnerable to the quick one-two punch that followed. He added a third, doubling his own tally, for good measure and is in contention to be the top scorer in qualifying.

Woeful outing for sorry Scotland

This was a chastening outing for Scotland, who can in truth point to very few positives, if any.

That they have a play-off spot in the bag should not excuse the apparent lack of attacking conviction on display in the Russian capital.

What's next?

Scotland host group whipping boys San Marino on Sunday (October 13), while Russia head to Cyprus on the same day.