Euro 2012 review: Pavlyuchenko scores hat-trick for Russia and Benayoun on target for Israel

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 18:16 EST, 4 June 2011

Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko hit a hat-trick as Russia beat Armenia 3-1 tonight in Euro 2012 qualifying Group B.

Dick Advocaat's Russia started the day level on 10 points with the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia, and collected a further three points after a result which was more convincing than the performance.

Marcos Pizelli put the visitors ahead after 25 minutes before Pavlyuchenko took centre stage, the Tottenham striker 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.

In Group F, Israel overcame the challenge of hosts Latvia to join Croatia at the top of the table.

The visitors dominated the first half and held an interval lead thanks to goals from Yossi Benayoun and Tal Ben-Haim, the latter coming from the penalty spot.

Aleksandrs Cauna gave Latvia hope of a comeback with a spot-kick of his own, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

Slovakia edged out Andorra 1-0 in Bratislava to keep pace with Russia at the top of Group B.

Miroslav Karhan got the only goal in the 63rd minute as Slovakia were largely frustrated by the group's whipping boys but did enough to take the three points.

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

Radomir Djalovic put the Montenegrins ahead after 52 minutes, only for Ivelin Popov to snatch an equaliser 14 minutes later, meaning England remain top of the group on goal difference.