Tunisia can only improve

Adel Sellimi tussles with Valery Karpin

Russia scored two goals within five minutes in the second half to defeat Tunisia 2-0 in their opening group H game.

Egor Titov scored on a right-footed blast in the 59th minute, and Valery Karpin finished off a penalty kick in the 64th as the Russians scored one of their biggest major international wins since 1996.

Russia are appearing in the World Cup for the ninth time after failing to qualify for the past two tournaments. Tunisia enjoyed their only World Cup victory back in 1978 when they beat Mexico 3-1.

The North Africans are making their third World Cup appearance after an undefeated qualifying run. Their success, however, was tempered by a dismal performance at this year's African Nations Cup.

Tunisia had not scored since December until getting one against Denmark in a tuneup game last month, and they rarely came close early in Wednesday's game.

Tunisian goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel backpedaled to punch away a free kick from Karpin as the Russian attack improved as the first half wore on. The Russians tested a sprited but inexperienced Tunisian team.
Hassen Gabsi thought he had given Tunisia the lead in the 52nd minute, but an offsides call nullified his right-footed shot that found the net.

The Tunisian attack lacked cohesion early on, then improved in the second half. But the Russians created more opportunities and took advantage of them.

Titov was helped by a poor clearing throw by Boumnijel for his goal. Russia was awarded the penalty kick after Rahi Jaidi used his body to knock down Alexander Filimonov as he turned to shoot on goal.

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