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By Gennady Fyodorov MOSCOW, Sept 8 - Russia blamed German referee
Markus Merk for a harsh dismissal of Alexei Smertin in the first
half of their World Cup qualifier against Portugal, probably
costing the home team the much-needed three points. Merk had difficulty keeping the players' tempers in check in
a tense Group Three encounter on Wednesday, controversially
sending off Smertin in the 43rd minute after the Russia captain
picked up his second yellow card for dangerous play. Smertin said it was a wrong call. "I did not deserve the red card," the Charlton Athletic
midfielder told reporters after the game. "The first yellow (card) was deserved because I kicked the
opponent while trying to play the ball, but the second one was
totally uncalled for. The ref made a very subjective decision." Smertin said it was Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo's
play-acting that had fooled Merk into making a wrong call. "I think he fell down even before we've made contact," the
Russian said in reference to the Manchester United player. "We had some words with each other but then we calmed down.
Well, we both play in the same (English) league and we'll see
each other soon. Then, we can talk about it more peacefully." The match ended in a 0-0 draw, moving Portugal a step closer
to the World Cup while putting Russia's hopes of reaching next
year's finals in jeopardy. Portugal, on 24 points from 10 games, just need a point from
their two remaining matches, at home to Liechtenstein and
Latvia, to book their ticket to Germany. Russia, meanwhile, must win both of their games, at home to
Luxembourg and away to Slovakia, to finish as group runners-up. Russia coach Yuri Syomin blamed Merk for letting the game
get out of hand. "I've warned our players the Portuguese would try
provocative moves and Merk played to their tune," Syomin said.
"He had no right to dismiss Smertin who made a clean tackle."
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