When the difference between automatic qualification for 2010 and scrapping it out in the play-offs is just one single point, a moment of genius is needed. Two nations. Two born entertainers. Two moments of game-changing brilliance waiting to happen. One spot to play for. It’s on.

Sometimes the difference maker in a game doesn’t show up on the score sheet, but he always appears in the memories of those who bear witness to his artistry. In Russia’s 3-1 victory against Wales on Wednesday, Andrei Arshavin did both, displaying his footballing brilliance in the ...