Armenia 0 Russia 0:The Republic of Ireland can go level with Russia on top of Group B if they beat Macedonia tonight after Dick Advocaat's misfiring side were held to a goalless draw in Yerevan this afternoon.

The result leaves Russia on 10 points, with Armenia moving into second on eight and Giovanni Trapattoni’s side on seven.

Russia have now failed to score for a third consecutive match after losing two friendlies to Belgium (2-0) and Iran (1-0) in the last five months.

After a slow opening, the Russians took control, creating several scoring chances but failed to find the target.

Yura Movsisyan wasted Armenia's best chance early in the second half when he fired wide from close range.

Alexander Kerzhakov, who scored for Russia in each of their two previous qualifiers against Ireland and Macedonia, missed the top corner when he was sent clear a few minutes later.

Russia captain Andrei Arshavin had a quiet game, missing the target with his only shot at goal late in the game.