Agency :
Ola Toivonen’s second-half strike rescued a 1-1 draw for Sweden against Russia in Stockholm in European Championship qualifying on Thursday.
Russia, managed by Fabio Capello, kept first place in Group G with four points from two games.
Level on points was Austria, which beat Moldova 2-1 away, and Montenegro, which was unable to beat tiny Liechtenstein in a goalless draw.
The Swedes languish in fourth with two points after the draw with Russia followed an opening-day draw in Austria. They are without a win in three competitive fixtures dating to their failed attempt to reach the World Cup.
Sweden went behind after 10 minutes when Artyom Dzyuba set Alexander Kokorin free behind the Swedish defense, and the striker slotted the ball past Andreas Isaksson with a low shot from outside the box.
Sweden missed a good chance to respond almost immediately when Sebastian Larsson’s penalty was saved by Igor Akinfeev, making a symbolic recovery from a World Cup campaign marred by errors.
The spot kick was awarded after Russia right back Igor Smolnikov was adjudged to have brought down Jimmy Durmaz as they battled for the ball on the edge of the six-yard box.
