Russia in Brazil……..
They edged Portugal in the qualifiers and booked a direct ticket from the group to the 2014 Fifa World Cup. A 7-1-2 (W-D-L) group record brings Russia back on the chase for a Fifa World Cup trophy.
This will mark their 3rd appearance in the competition as Russia, but they made 7 appearances under the Soviet Union. It is also under the Soviet Union that Russia had their most dominant spell in futbol. Winning the 1960 UEFA European Championship is their only major international tournament success to date.
The team will be coming into the competition with expectations of advancing from Group H, and battling on from there. They have quite an experience team that can give them the edge.
The Venom
Aleksandr Kerzhakov
It is unlikely that Andrey Arshavin will be returning to the Russian side any time soon. The attacking end is Aleksandr Kerzhakov, The Zenit St.Petersburg forward will be a key player to bring result to the Russian offensive work. He scored ¼ of Russians goals through the qualifiers and it will be no surprise to improve on that during the tournament.
Aleksandr Kokorin is another forward to mark on the team.
The Control and Support
Alan Dzagoev is the man tipped to shake things up in the middle of the pitch. This attacking midfielder is just 23 years old and one of the youngest players on the team. He is young enough for the Russian Football Federation to build future teams around him. Dzagoev’s vision, skill and control on the ball is what will widen the gap between in opposing defenders
Alan Dzagoev with the ball under control
Roman Shirkov is another key player in the middle. As veteran member of the team, his understanding of the game and leadership will be vital.
The Bouncers
Yuri Zhirkov is star in the back line, assuming that Russia is sticking with 4 men in the back line. Zhirkov is on the left flanks, helping both defensively and offensively. As a decorated veteran of the game, who has experience with major competitions and clubs across Europe, Zhirkov will be the man that will keep the defensive mentality in tack.
Yuri Zhirkov
Key players alongside Yuri Zhirkov will be the veterans of CSKA Moscow; Sergei Ignashevich and Vasili Berezutski.
So what is it for Russia? How will they fare?
It might be time to find their footing again on the world stage. Their biggest challenge will be their UEFA groupmate, Belgium. The advantage will be on the Russian side when facing the Iran and South Korea. The problem for Group H and Russia will be what happens in the knockout stage when they meet the successful team from Group G. Great things have come out of great formation tactics, Russia might have to employ one.
As always this is futbol, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Russia will make their advantage count.
