Krash scored a brace late in the match, in the final period to edge his team past Ukraine 3-2 in the quarter-final of the Euro Beach Soccer Cup.
The two teams, who, both have the title win previously showed a thriller to the spectators before Ukraine who let it go the Russian way in the final 12 minutes.
It is always the teams which hold the match together till the final moments, who win in a contest of skills and this match was no aberration as Russia showed their quality in the final stages to pull clear of Ukraine and book a place in the semi-finals.
Former Champions Ukraine had a glorious opportunity inside the first four minutes as Pachev failed to nudge the ball over the Russian line an almighty scramble and instead it was Romanov who struck first with a smart finish following Ostrovskii’s throw.
Korniichuk responded in emphatic fashion when he acrobatically angled the equalizer in from a cross out wide as chances remained plentiful.
The Russian goalkeeper Sydorenko had first attempt of the second period, testing his opposite number high to the left, but it was Korniichuk who proved decisive once more as he put Ukraine back on top.
It was a similarly powerful and acrobatic effort to his first and the strike proved enough to send Ukraine in ahead at the break, despite Krash sending a low shot past the post.
The defender would have his goal eventually – beating Hladchenko from a free-kick to level matters and set up a fascinating final seven minutes.
Krash’s second goal, another free-kick that deceived Hladchenko, proved the difference for Russia as Ukraine saw their search for an equalizer falter, Russia leaving it late to demonstrate their quality and progress to the final four.
Goals: 1-0: Romanov, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Korniichuk, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Korniichuk, min. 4 (2); 2-2: Krash, min. 8 (3); 3-2: Krash, min. 3 (3)