How Russia qualified for Euro 2012
Russia played in the Euro 2012 qualifiers with open wounds from the agony of narrowly missing out on South Africa 2010. A couple of years ago, the Russians surprisingly lost to minnows Slovenia in the play-offs ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They vowed to bounce back by securing automatic qualification for Euro 2012.
Their resilience paid off. Russia fell in Group B with minnows like Andorra and Armenia. Macedonia, Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland completed the 6-team table. The Sbornaya conceded only 4 goals in 10 matches and lost only once; that was against Slovakia on the second day of the qualification campaign.
Russia’s 3-2 victory away to the Republic of Ireland on Matchday 3 proved vital. In the return leg in September 2011, the Russians only managed a goalless draw. However, that was more than enough to ensure they qualify above the Irish.
Russia terminated their UEFA Euro 2012 qualification road with a glorious 6-0 victory over Andorra on October 11 last year.
Who is Russia’s coach?
Dick Advocaat will spend his last moments with Russia’s national team during Euro 2012. Despite signing a 4-year contract with the Russians in May 2010, Advocaat is set to resign this summer. He has already signed a 1-year contract with PSV Eindhoven. He will officially join the Dutch club on July 1.
For now, the Russia coach must focus on getting his team as far as possible during Euro 2012. Dick Advocaat is popular in Russia for leading Zenit Saint Petersburg to Russian Premier League, Russian Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup glory between 2007 and 2008.
In 2008, he became the first foreigner since 1866 to be awarded the Honorary Citizen of St Petersburg. The national team players of Russia will try to offer Dick Advocaat a memorable farewell.
Who are Russia’s key players?
Andrei Arshavin
Andre Arshavin rose to fame 4 years ago when Russia enjoyed a remarkable Euro 2008 campaign. The competition triggered the midfielder’s move into the spotlight in the 2008 summer transfer window.
His stint with Arsenal on the domestic and European fronts has offered him huge experience.
With is loan move back to Zenith this year, Arshavin was able to increase his match fitness with 3 goals and 4 assists in 11 games. He will captain the Russian national team during Euro 2012.
Russia’s Euro 2012 squad
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeyev, Vyacheslav Malafeyev, Anton Shunin
Defenders: Alexander Anyukov, Alexei Berezutsky, Sergei Ignashevich, Roman Sharonov, Vladimir Granat, Kirill Nababkin
Midfielders: Igor Denisov, Roman Shirokov, Konstantin Zyryanov, Yuri Zhirkov, Alan Dzagoyev, Igor Semshov, Denis Glushakov, Marat Izmailov, Dmitri Kombarov
Forwards: Andrei Arshavin, Alexander Kerzhakov, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Alexander Kokorin, Pavel Pogrebnyak
Who are Russia’s Euro 2012 group opponents?
To reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, Russia will need to overcome competition from the Czechs, Euro 2004 winners Greece and Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland.
Russia’s group matches schedule
June 8, 2012: Russia vs Czech Republic – Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
June 12, 2012: Poland vs Russia – National Stadium, Warsaw
June 16, 2012: Greece vs Russia – National Stadium, Warsaw
More on Russia’s live streaming and TV schedule info page.
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
Russia’s consistency and good defensive record through the last few years have earned them a spot among Europe’s top 10 teams. However, in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, the Russians have dropped to 9th on the continent and 13th in the world.
