Kerzhakov treble flattens Andorra

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ST PETERSBURG, Russia -- Alexander Kerzhakov scored a hat-trick as Russia routed Andorra 4-0 in their Euro 2008 Group E qualifier on Saturday.

With Israel winning 2-1 in Macedonia and Croatia beating Estonia 1-0 in Tallinn the top three clubs have all moved a further three points clear of England, who travel to Estonia in midweek.

Croatia stay top on 16 points, Russia and Israel each have 14 and England are on 11.

Sevilla striker Kerzhakov fired the Russians ahead in the eighth minute, with a neat lob over Andorra keeper Koldo Alvarez, then doubled the lead eight minutes later.

Kerzhakov made it 3-0 four minutes after the break by latching on to a rebound and substitute Dmitry Sychev scored the fourth midway through the second half.

Andorra, who were missing eight first-team players through injury and suspension, rarely threatened Russia's goal as they slumped to their sixth defeat in six qualifiers.

Israel climbed three points clear of fourth-placed England with a 2-1 victory over Macedonia in Skopje.

Barak Itzhaki put Israel ahead in the 10th minute by heading in Idan Tal's cross from the right but three minutes later, Aco Stojkov equalized with a left-foot shot from a pass by Goran Pandev.

Roberto Colautti's 43rd minute header from another cross by Tal settled the issue.

Eduardo Da Silva's 31st minute goal gave Croatia a 1-0 win in Estonia which keeps them on top of the group.

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