Russia has taken a step closer towards qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals with a 2-1 home win against Slovenia.

Leading 2-0 with only minutes remaining thanks to a brace from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Russia's chances looked much better but they were rocked in the 88th minute when Slovenian substitute Nejc Pecnik's strike gave his country a crucial away goal.

And in the last minute Slovenia had a great chance at levelling only for Russian keeper Akinfeev to pull off a great diving save from a Marko Suler volley.