Russia marched on to the second round at Brazil 2008 this afternoon with a thumping and thoroughly deserved 9-1 victory over Japan in Maracanazhino.

The Asian hopefuls had begun the day knowing that victory would take them through at the Russians' expense, but they now head for home in the knowledge that they were beaten by a clearly superior side.

Russia, fresh from that record-breaking 31-2 win over the Solomon Islands, were outstanding at times, confirming their status as genuine title contenders with a display of power and panache.

At the heart of much of their best play was the brilliant Dmitry Prudnikov, who gave notice of his intentions by firing home the first goal at the end of a slick one-touch move. Soon after, Damir Khamadiev added the second from a corner kick, and as Japan pushed forward, Russia punished them ruthlessly on the counter-attack, Khamadiev making it 3-0 after just 10 minutes.

The pace dropped discernibly for the remainder of the first half as Russia coasted into a six-goal lead but it soon picked up again after the re-start, with Khamadiev completing his hat-trick only 23 seconds into the second half. 

Japan did claim a consolation through Yuki Kanayama, and while that was warmly received by the crowd, the local fans also made a point of standing to acclaim a Russian team that had provided a genuine futsal masterclass.

Japan face a battle with Russia on Wednesday to see who will emerge as the second placed team in Group A following the former's 4-1 victory over Cuba.

The Asians almost took the lead as early as the eighth second when Yusuke Inada forced a good save from Wilfredo Carbo. The veteran keeper, the oldest player in the competition, also denied Inada two minutes later as well as Rikarudo Higa and Yusuke Komiyama inside the opening 15 minutes.

Despite Japan's domination, it was Cuba who took the lead against the run of play in the 16th minute; Yampier Rodriguez with an inch-perfect lob over the goalkeeper. The goal rocked Japan who were fortunate not to concede another when Boris Saname's shot rattled the post shortly before half-time.

Carbo again frustrated his opponents with some fine goalkeeping, but was powerless to stop Nobuya Osodo's shot in the 24th minute which crept between his legs. Two minutes later, Japan were in front through Kotaro Inaba and the Japan No11 played a key role in Japan's final two goals.

First Inaba's thunderous effort was spilled by Carbo into the path of Yuki Kanayama, who made it 3-1 and then he turned goalscorer with six minutes remaining when Inada provided the assist.