Russia eased past India 4-0 in a dominant display of technical and physical superiority in the first of two FIFA international women’s friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Stadium here on Thursday.

The young Blue Tigresses, currently ranked 69th, adopted a deeply defensive shape to absorb relentless pressure from the 27th-ranked Russians. Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem stood firm with a series of impressive saves, keeping Russia at bay for much of the first-half. India’s resistance was broken in the 41st minute when Iana Sheina found the net to give Russia a 1-0 lead before the break.

Russia increased the pressure after half-time, with substitute Kira taking advantage of the wet conditions to score in the 60th and 70th minutes. Iana Svistunova completed the rout with a strike in the 81st minute. India struggled to create clear-cut attacking opportunities, while the goalpost and desperate defending helped prevent an even bigger margin.

The match happened amid an off-field dispute between the AIFF and East Bengal FC over player releases.

Nine East Bengal players were left out of head coach Crispin Chettri’s final squad, depriving India of several experienced senior stars and forcing him to rely heavily on an experimental group.

Crispin handed international debuts to Babysana Devi Thingbaijam, Malati Munda, Cindy Colney, Shubhangi Singh, Dhurga Perumal and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam.

The result: India 0 lost to Russia 4 (Sheina 41, Kira 60, 70, Svistunova 81).