Roman triumph keeps Russia level with Ireland

Russia's result was more convincing than their performance.

Marcos Pizelli put the visitors ahead after 25 minutes before Pavlyuchenko took centre stage, equalising almost immediately with a volley before making it 2-1 from close range on the hour mark and adding another with a 73rd-minute penalty.

Slovakia edged out Andorra 1-0 in Bratislava. Miroslav Karhan got the only goal in the 63rd minute.

Robbie Keane plundered the 50th and 51st goals of his senior international career to fire the Republic of Ireland to a 2-0 victory in Macedonia.

Keane's strikes came after eight and 37 minutes. The victory did not come easily, however, and goalkeeper Shay Given was relieved to see Ivan Trickovski thump a 40th-minute penalty against the crossbar after a John O'Shea foul on Goran Pandev.

England's hopes of finishing top of Group G have been harmed by a 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley. Tranquillo Barnetta struck twice in three minutes from free-kicks to give Switzerland a 2-0 lead. However, Frank Lampard pulled a goal back before half-time with a penalty following a foul by Johan Djourou on Jack Wilshere, and Ashley Young drove in an equaliser early in the second half.

Montenegro could have pulled two points clear of Fabio Capello's side, but despite taking the lead against Bulgaria they had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Podgorica.

Greece moved to the top of Group F above Croatia and Israel with an easy 3-1 victory over Malta. Israel overcame the challenge of hosts Latvia with a 2-1 win to join Croatia on 13 points, one behind Greece.

Portugal, Denmark and Norway are locked together on ten points at the top of Group H. Portugal won 1-0 at home to Norway courtesy of Helder Postiga's 53rd-minute goal. The Portuguese stand top on goal difference from their two Scandinavian rivals.

Denmark kept their qualifying campaign on track with a 2-0 victory over Iceland.