BERN: World Cup hosts Russia extended their unsuccessful run to seven games when they were held 1-1 at home by Turkey in their final friendly before the tournament.

The only consolation for Stanislav Cherchesov’s side, who are 66 in the world and whose last win was against South Korea in October, was that they managed to avoid defeat for the first time this year after defeats by Brazil, France and Austria.

Russia, who open the World Cup against Saudi Arabia on June 14, went ahead in the 36th minute through Alexander Samedov but Turkey substitute Yunus Malli equalised on the hour.

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