Belarus climbed above Albania in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group D as goals from Vitaly Rodionov and Siarhey Krivets eased them to victory in the Dinamo Stadion in Minsk.

Without injured midfielder Alexander Hleb, currently on loan from Barcelona at Birmingham, Belarus had started the game level on points with Albania but below their opponents on goal difference.

Belarus signalled their intent as early as the third minute when Dzmitry Molosh shot from 35 yards but Albania goalkeeper Arjan Beqaj caught the ball. Sergey Kisliak headed Timofey Kalachev's corner over, then Kisliak's free-kick was cleared by Armand Dallku. Yan Tigorev saw his shot blocked by Kristi Vangjeli before the home side's pressure told after ten minutes when Rodionov shot home from close range.

Albania's first chance came when Ansi Angolli shot over the bar in the 15th minute and Kalachev responded with a shot straight at Albania goalkeeper Beqaj. Belarus' Igor Shitov then had two chances, shooting over before hitting the bar, and Kalachev shot wide across goal as the half hour approached.

Beqaj was equal to a free-kick from Molosh from 35 yards before Yuri Zhevnov was called into action in the Belarus goal. Klodian Duro's shot was parried but Ansi Angolli's effort was far more comfortable for the Belarus keeper.

With half an hour remaining Belarus' Anton Putilo had had two shots but both failed to test Beqaj. Kalachev also tried his luck but his shot from distance was over the bar as Belarus failed to add to their lead as Beqaj caught a header from Sergey Kisliak.

Belarus finally made their dominance tell with 13 minutes to go as Krivets headed home their second goal from a right wing cross by Kalachev. Rodionov's header from close range was held by Beqaj as Albania prevented any further addition to the score - but their night was compounded in the final minute when Dallku was sent off.