The Soviet Union made certain of a place in the Quarter Finals of the World Cup today by defeating Italy one-nil. They now have 4 points in Group 4 from two matches. Italy, expected to defeat North Korea next week, could then also have 4 points.

SYNOPSIS: Italy, playing right to left, made frequent sorties into the Russian half, but rarely managed to make any impression on the solid defence. The game started tamely and for most of the first half proceeded at a leisurely pace. This was the first time Yashin in the Soviet goal was troubled - twenty six minutes after the start. Two minutes later the Italians launched another attack which looked like resulting in a score when Meroni beat Yashin with a cross shot which whipped across the face of the goal... Sabo got in a good shot from a free-kick and Albertosi had to stretch to save it - prompting a complaint to his colleagues to back him up better. A corner for Italy minutes afterwards gave Pascutti a chance that brought Yashin in turn into play and he too managed to save the shot.

Russia increased the pressure in the second half and thirteen minutes after the restart, launched an attack from which outside-right Chislenko shot a fine goal that completely beat Albertosi.

Italy made repeated efforts to break through the Russian defence and equalise, and ten minutes from time Pascutti nearly scrambled the ball into the net but Yashin smothered it and the referee ordered play on..
The Russians continued to press and gave the Italians more anxious moments but Khusainov shot weakly. It hadn't been a great game but despite their lapses the Soviet side deserved their victory...