Carson, CA (My Sportsbook) - With Elena Fomina's goal in the 89th minute Sunday, Russia barely escaped with a 2-1 victory over Australia in Group D play. Blessed with the smiles of the soccer gods, the Russians look ahead to a Thursday date with Ghana, which surprisingly held 1999 runner-up China to a 1-0 win at the weekend.
A second Russian triumph, set to be staged at the Home Depot Center, could send the eastern Europeans into the last eight of the Women's World Cup -- a goal their reached four years ago.
But head coach Yuri Bystritsky knows the tide could have just as easily turned against his side, as Russia's clash against the Aussies was as evenly played as a soccer match could be.
"The match was in the balance until the very last minute, Australia might easily have won too," Bystritsky said on FIFA's web site.
Russia's victory also vaulted them to the heights of the group table, where they hold a slim margin over China thanks to goal differential.
"There's no secret about China's role as clear-cut group favorites. The other teams are all as good as each other, so we're facing a tough encounter with Ghana," Bystritsky added.
Russia's coach said that he didn't expect an easy opponent in Ghana.
"I think Ghana were well below their normal par against China," he said. "And they were missing their best strikers as well."
Ghana, a relative minnow on soccer's grandest women's stage, knows a defeat against the Russians would mean a long haul back to Africa. However, they believe their toughest match has already come against the Chinese, and they look forward to playing out their final group games with pride.
"I believe our quality strike force will deliver in our next matches," said Oko Aryee. "And we'll create a lot more by way of chances against Russia and Australia."
However, Russian striker Natalia Barbachina said the Africans are no match for their first-choice players.
"We'll put out our first-choice side, the same line-up as against Australia," the veteran forward said. "It'll definitely be tough, but we're fired up, and we have a realistic chance of winning."
