Source: Daily_Mail
Amkar Perm 1 Fulham 0 (Agg 2-3): Cottagers march on despite late scare
Fulham clinched their place in the Europa League group stages despite a late scare as Martin Kushev scored in the 90th minute for the lively Russians.
Roy Hodgson's side had given themselves a two-goal advantage to take to Perm, and had looked comfortable up until the tense finale.
The Amkar skipper powerfully headed in Georgi Peev's cross and then the home side passed up a great chance to win the tie with the last kick of the game but substitute Nikolay Zhilyaev shot over from eight yards.
Relieved boss Hodgson said: 'Amkar played particularly well and made life difficult for us. 'And the very late goal made the final minutes extra exciting.
'They are a very good quality team and they have stretched us to the limit in order to get our qualification.'
Fulham were without Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy and Paul Konchesky due to injuries and the hosts dominated the first half but created few opportunities.
Late scare: Amkar's Martin Kouchev pokes the ball past Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer setting up a frantic finish
Late scare: Amkar's Martin Kouchev pokes the ball past Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer setting up a frantic finish
The best chance of the half fell to Amkar's Jean Carlos after good work by Georgi Peev.
His close-range shot was well saved by Mark Schwarzer, who scrambled the ball away.
In the 50th minute Peev's cross found Kushev in space but the Bulgarian fired wide with the goal at his mercy.
Battle to the end: Fulham's John Pantsil wins a last-ditch challenge with Amkar ace Edin Junuzovic
Battle to the end: Fulham's John Pantsil wins a last-ditch challenge with Amkar ace Edin Junuzovic
Amkar broke quickly in the 72nd minute and stretched Fulham but John Pantsil managed to make a fine recovery to block Vitaly Grishin's shot.
A goalless draw looked inevitable but Amkar made the late breakthrough when Kushev's header flew past Schwarzer off the underside of the bar.
That meant Amkar, who snatched a late goal at Craven Cottage last week through Grishin to keep alive their hopes for the second leg, needed just one more goal to qualify and knock out their Premier League visitors on the away goals rule.
Fulham, who confirmed they have signed South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi, 24, from Golden Arrows on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, could even have scored themselves.
Diomansy Kamara created a chance for fellow substitute Seol Ki-Hyeon but the midfielder took an unnecessary touch on the edge of the penalty area and then placed his hurried shot just wide.
