Euro 2012 - Russia preview

Russia’s qualifying campaign was a successful, if slightly understated journey. With 23 points from their 10 qualifying games, they finished two points above Giovanni Trappatoni’s Republic of Ireland side, but were comfortable in pole position through most of the campaign.

One major concern for Dick Advocaat’s men going forward, however, must be their prowess in front of goal; in a group that many would consider comparatively easy, they’ve scored a modest 17 goals, with Alan Dzagoev and Roman Pavlyuchenko netting four each. The 6-0 demolition of Andorra aside, the Russians didn’t manage to win by more than two goals in any of their qualifiers.

However, underestimate a Russian side at your peril. Group A is arguably the most favourable draw they could have been given for the tournament proper, and with only four goals conceded in the qualifiers, they may prove a tough but to crack.

CAPTAIN: It hasn’t been the easiest year for Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin. After joining Zenit St Petersburg for the second half of the season after a poor 2011 with the Gunners, the forward hasn’t exactly set the world alight during this campaign. However, he’s clearly seen as an important dressing room figure for his national side, having lead the country’s successful bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

KEY PLAYER: There’s no major standout candidate here, but English Premier League fans will recognise most of the contenders; apart from Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov are now household names in some of England’s biggest clubs, and are all potential game changers.

ONES TO WATCH: Although not exactly a youngster, Aleksandr Kerzhakov could make a big impression on the tournament. The Zenit St Petersburg forward scored 16 goals in the Russian league this season, and Euro 2012 will be his chance to make headlines if he can maintain this kind of form.

In terms of youth, Lokomotiv Moskva midfielder Magomed Ozdoev (19) and Dinamo Moskva defender Vladimir Granat (24) are Advocaat’s two uncapped picks, and are relative unknowns on the international scene. With the nucleus of the Euro 2008 semi-finalists still playing though, they may find it hard to break into the team.

MANAGER: This campaign will be Dick Advocaat’s last as Russian manager, with a deal to take over at PSV Eindhoven already thrashed out. Whether this will galvanise the Russian team to perform for their manager, or whether the uncertainty over their coaching future will cast a doubt of uncertainty over the squad remains to be seen.

Russia squad

Since the preliminary squad was announced, CSKA defender Vasili Berezutski has been ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh injury. His exclusion sees the recall of Rubin Kazan captain Roman Sharonov, who hasn’t been capped since 2004.

Marat Izmailov, who hasn’t been capped since 2006, also returns to the fold.

Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (PFC CSKA Moskva), Vyacheslav Malafeev (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Anton Shunin (FC Dinamo Moskva).

Defenders: Aleksandr Anyukov (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Aleksei Berezutski (PFC CSKA Moskva), Sergei Ignashevich (PFC CSKA Moskva), Vladimir Granat (FC Dinamo Moskva), Yuri Zhirkov (FC Anzhi Makhachkala), Dmitri Kombarov (FC Spartak Moskva), Roman Sharonov (FC Rubin Kazan), Roman Shishkin (FC Lokomotiv Moskva).

Midfielders: Igor Denisov (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Konstantin Zyryanov (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Shirokov (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Denis Glushakov (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Magomed Ozdoev (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Igor Semshov (FC Dinamo Moskva), Marat Izmailov (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Alan Dzagoev (PFC CSKA Moskva).

Strikers: Andrey Arshavin (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Aleksandr Kerzhakov (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Artem Dzyuba (FC Spartak Moskva), Aleksandr Kokorin (FC Dinamo Moskva), Roman Pavlyuchenko (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Fulham FC).

Russia fixtures – Group A

08/06 – Russia v Czech Republic (KO 19:45 GMT)

12/06 – Poland v Russia (KO 19:45 GMT)

16/06 – Greece v Russia (KO 19:45 GMT)

PREDICTION

On paper at least, group A may not have the most potential for swashbuckling, high-scoring encounters. Poland are set to struggle in the group, but with a neat if not spectacular Czech Republic outfit, and a Greece side undefeated in the qualifiers, it could well be a three way fight for top spot in the group. Ultimately though, it’s set to come down to the match against the Greeks to determine top spot in the group.

If Russia stick to the script, they’re likely to come out on top in this one. They’ll be underdogs in the knockout stages in most circumstances, but this team has experience in advancing to the semi-finals four years ago.