Russia

The 2018 World Cup hosts qualified at the top of Group B in a bid to go two places better than their attempt in Euro 2008, when they finished 3rd. This will be ex-Rangers manager Dick Advocaat’s last tournament in charge of the Russian international side after deciding not to extend his contract. Advocaat’s side stumbled through qualifying with the 3-2 away win against the Republic of Ireland back in 2010 being the real decider. The rest of the campaign only had one other notable positive score, a 6-0 thrashing of Andorra. The 1-0 loss at home to Slovakia and 0-0 draw away at Armenia do not suggest excitement. In 18 games in the last two years, they have only scored more than once five times. On the other hand, Russia has only conceded nine goals in the same period, and has not let in a goal in a competitive match in just under a year. Safe to say, this is why Group A in this year’s Euros continues to be worryingly boring. Russia drew 1-1 with fellow Group A occupants Greece in a friendly in November after opening up the game with a 2nd minute goal. The ties against the Czech Republic and Poland also fail to inspire a goal fest outlook. However, this is a good opportunity for Russia to advance to the knock-out stage and sometimes when you expect little you get back more. They certainly possess enough talent to win Group A with the likes of Arshavin, Anyukov and Zhirkov all gaining a starting shirt. Anyukov and Zhirkov play pivotal roles in the Russian side. Both are attacking wing-backs, looking to break forward at all opportunities. Anyukov was Russia’s leading player on assists in the qualifying stage with 3. In midfield is 21 year old Alan Dzagoev. Dzagoev plays for CSKA Moscow and has contributed to the national set up since 2010. He scored 4 goals in qualifying, joint top on the Russian list, including the only goal in a 1-0 victory against Slovakia that all but clinched Russia’s place in Euro 2012. The lack of goals Russia has scored is a little surprising given some of the players that Advocaat can select this summer. However, it may be due slightly to the lack of form of Arshavin. He never quite settled at Arsenal, returning on loan to Zenit Saint Petersburg in February. His return of 17 goals from 68 caps is not brilliant for a man that is employed as a forward for Russia and with others knocking on the door, Advocaat’s persistence in playing the little magician may eventually change. Fellow Zenit forward Alexander Kerzhakov may be the prominent striker for Russia. He scored his 100th goal for Zenit in the Russian league at the weekend in 216 appearances for the club. Otherwise, Roman Pavlyuchenko or Pavel Pogrebnyak will be attempting to put the ball in the back of the opponent’s net. At the opposite end of the field, in charge of protecting Russia’s net is Igor Akinfeev. After being out for 6 months with a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee the CSKA Moscow keeper will look to regain his place in time for Russia’s opening game against the Czech Republic on the 8th of June. Akinfeev kept two clean sheets at Euro 2008, one of which was against Greece and his experience and presence will be vital to their efforts. Russia has talent. They also have resistance which will bode well for the group stages. However, whether the two can be combined to threaten stronger nations is another matter. Expect to see them in the quarters but to look no further than that.