Ruslan Gurbanov's goal just before half-time saw Azerbaijan get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over 10-man San Marino.

Gurbanov scored the only goal of the game in first-half injury time, timing his run perfectly to head home Afran Ismayilov's right-wing cross from 10 yards out.

San Marino had Cristian Brolli sent off in the 52nd minute following a crunching tackle on Gurbanov and Azerbaijan comfortably held on for three points in Group C, which also contains Northern Ireland and world champions Germany.