Next year, Russia will play host to the World Cup for the first time. The Eastern European side haven't impressed much on the international stage since becoming an independent nation; in fact, they have never gotten past the group stage and have failed to even qualify on several occasions. Their only notable showing was during EURO 2008, when they made a surprise run to the semi-finals to finish in third.
Despite this, Russia are a very ambitious side and will hope to warm up for the big event by doing well at this summer's Confederations Cup. Still, despite hosting this tournament, they are no where viewed as favorites and with Portugal and Mexico in their group, Russia could find it really tough to earn a spot in the next round.
That being said, they are playing on home turf, and that could perhaps give them the boost they really need. Let's take a look at what is in store for Russia ahead of the 2017 Confederations Cup, set to kick off on Saturday, June 17th with a clash against New Zealand.
Russia's Confederations Cup record
Russia have never featured at a Confederations Cup, as they have never won a major title. As hosts, they will take on New Zealand, Mexico, and Portugal, with the All Whites being their first opponent on Saturday.
Russia's current form
Russia come into this tournament having drawn 1-1 with Chile in a friendly. Since the start of the year, the team have won one, drawn two, and lost one of their four fixtures. Currently, they are placed 63rd in the world as per FIFA's latest rankings.
Russia's Confederations Cup 2017 roster
Here is Russia's squad for the upcoming Confederations Cup:
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Arsenal Tula), Guilherme (Lokomotiv Moscow)
Defenders: Georgy Dzhikiya (Spartak Moscow), Fyodor Kudryashov (FC Rostov), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Roman Shishkin (FC Krasnodar), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Viktor Vasin (CSKA Moscow), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow)
Midfielders: Yuri Gazinsky (FC Krasnodar), Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Alexander Golovin (CSKA Moscow), Alexei Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexander Samedov (Spartak Moscow), Dmitry Tarasov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexander Yerokhin (FC Rostov), Yuri Zhirkov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Ruslan Kambolov (Rubin Kazan)
Forwards: Alexander Bukharov (FC Rostov), Maxim Kannunikov (Rubin Kazan), Dmitry Poloz (FC Rostov), Fyodor Smolov (FC Krasnodar)
The man on the tactician's bench
Russia are currently under the tutelage of Stanislav Cherchesov. The ex-goalkeeper took over the national side in August 2016, and featured for the team in the 1994 and 2002 World Cups, as well as during EURO 1996. Since arriving, he has overseen nine matches, with an evenly-split record of three wins, three draws, and three losses.
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