Group favourites Portugal, Russia clash in Moscow

MOSCOW (AFP) - Joint-leaders Russia and Portugal go head-to-head at Moscow on Friday with both teams intent on claiming top spot in Group F as they pursue their bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Both countries boast a maximum six points from their opening two matches, five points ahead of their four group rivals.

Portugal manager Paulo Bento said the result of this tie may determine his team's strategy for the remaining qualifiers, adding that he was setting his players the task of grabbing all three points.

"Our main goal is to earn automatic qualification for the World Cup," Mr Bento said.