Russia beat Azerbaijan 4-0 in friendly

Troubled 2018 World Cup hosts Russia received a much needed boost Wednesday with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan in a friendly international played in Khimki, DPA reported.

Two early goals from Alexandr Kerzhakov settled the home side's nerves before Sergei Ignashevich made it 3-0 to Russia four minutes before half-time. Vladimir Granat completed the rout nine minutes from time with Russia's fourth.

The win is sure to lift coach Fabio Capello, who is reputed to earn nine million dollars a year but, according to Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko, has not been paid for three months by the country's football federation.

Russia crashed out in the group stage of the World Cup in Brazil and need to rebuild for Euro 2016 qualifying which starts Sunday, and for the 2018 World Cup at home.

Several other friendlies were set for later Wednesday, with world champions Germany hosting Argentina in a rematch of the July 13 final, and England playing Norway.