Russia v Slovenia: RUSSIA AND Slovenia are both at full strength ahead of today's World Cup qualifying play-off first leg in Moscow. Expectation has been mounting in Russia, with Slovenia viewed by many observers as the most favourable of the potential opponents.
Russia are 37 places above Slovenia in the current Fifa rankings and are favourites to progress. But one man definitely not getting carried away is national team coach Guus Hiddink. “I’m often asked which of the potential opponents I would have preferred and I often hear the opinion that Slovenia was the best possible outcome,” Hiddink said.
“But if you look at it from their point of view, none of the second seeds wanted to face France, Portugal or even Greece. We are in no position to expect an easy ride.
“I can only say one thing; there is no hint of us underestimating the Slovenians. We all know it will not be an easy game.
“The stakes are too high. We will be facing a very organised and tactical side with players competing in Europe’s top leagues.”
Hiddink has a full squad at his disposal with Yuri Zhirkov, Vladimir Bystrov, Vasili Berezutsky, Alan Dzagoev and captain Sergei Semak all having shaken off either illness or injury.
“We will try to attack without giving anything away at the back,” Hiddink added. “Football should always be played in an attractive way.This time everything is in our hands and we do not want to miss our chance.”
How Slovenia deal with the speed of Russia’s wide players and, in particular, the skill of in-form playmaker Andrey Arshavin, will be crucial if Matjaz Kek’s side are to come away with any kind of advantage to take into the second leg in Maribor on Wednesday.
Kek admits his side are underdogs but asking his players to target specific individuals has never been his style. “You and I both know that Russia are the favourites. There is no secret that they are a side of great class,” he said. “I don’t want to speak of individuals. Russia’s strength lies in their ability to play as a team.”
Midfielder Andraz Kirm said: “I think we have players of a decent level on the flanks who have already shown in key matches that they can cope with the best players our opponents have.
“On the pitch we need to be united as one and help each other rather than get involved in individual battles.”
Kek has just one injury worry to contend with. Defender Matej Mavric sat out training with a back problem and Elvedin Dzinic has been added to the squad.
