in 2011 On 19 November 2003, Malafeev debuted as a goalkeeper for the
national team in a
Euro 2004 qualifiers play-off against
Wales. He was chosen as the second choice goalkeeper behind
Sergei Ovchinnikov and ahead of
Igor Akinfeev. Malafeev participated in
Euro 2004 coming on after Ovchinnikov's red card against Portugal and starting against Greece. After Euro 2004, Malafeev, became the first choice goalkeeper for Russia succeeding Ovchinnikov. After a long-term injury in May 2005, Malafeev lost his place in the goal for Zenit and Russia to
Kamil Čontofalský and
Igor Akinfeev, respectively. In 2007, played in two Euro 2008 qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia after Akinfeev's long-term injury but was relegated to the bench in favor of
Vladimir Gabulov. After Zenit's successful UEFA Cup campaign he lost a narrow battle with Igor Akinfeev for the first choice goalkeeper spot in Russia's
Euro 2008 squad. Nonetheless, he stayed on as the second choice goalkeeper ahead of Gabulov. He was the starting goalkeeper in the game that Russia lost to
Portugal with a score of 1–7 in the
2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier. He was confirmed for the finalized
UEFA Euro 2012 squad on 25 May 2012. After the
UEFA Euro 2012 he announced that he is retiring from the national team to spend more time with his children, but is prepared to be called up in case of emergency such as injuries to other top goalkeepers. ==Career statistics==