Spain rematch a side issue for Semak
June 24, 2008 at 9:59 am | In Russia, Spain | Leave a CommentTags: Aleksandr Anyukov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Guus Hiddink, Russia, Sergie Semak, Spain
“I don’t want revenge, I just want to win,” Russia captain Sergei Semak told euro2008.com ahead of Thursday’s rematch with Spain.
Reversal of fortune
Russia lost their opening UEFA EURO 2008™ Group D game 4-1 to Spain but victories against Greece, Sweden and, in quarter-final extra time, the Netherlands have taken Guus Hiddink’s side to the last four, where they will face their first opponents again in Vienna. However, if thoughts of avenging their Innsbruck reverse preyed on the Russia players’ minds when they watched Sunday’s quarter-final, Semak stated: “It’s not that important whether it was Spain or Italy, the most important thing is that it’s a semi-final.”
Saenko vaunts Russian determination
June 16, 2008 at 4:33 pm | In Russia, Sweden | 1 CommentTags: Ivan Saenko, Konstantin Zyryanov, Leogang, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia, Sweden, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
What a difference a win makes. Roman Pavlyuchenko performed a brief two-step shuffle, goal hero Konstantin Zyryanov joked with the pack and Ivan Saenko pumped the cool Leogang air with his fist as Russia prepared for their forthcoming Group D game with Sweden in confident mood following their 1-0 triumph over Greece.
Battle stations
Indeed, 1. FC Nürnberg forward Saenko, who came on in place of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov for the last 20 minutes of Russia’s triumph over Greece, said: “If you win, you sleep better.” Saenko made his UEFA EURO 2008™ bow in the victory over the 2004 champions having impressed coach Guus Hiddink with some energetic performances in training, and the attacker revealed that he felt no nerves when entering the Stadion Wals-Siezenheim on Saturday night: “Going into the game from the bench is hard but that wasn’t the first time I’ve played in front of a big crowd so I felt confident. It became easier after my first few touches. It’s always nice to go into a game when there’s a real battle going on.”
Zyryanov vows to turn around doubters
June 14, 2008 at 2:17 pm | In Russia | Leave a CommentTags: Guus Hiddink, Konstantin Zyryanov, Russia
Russia midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov knows much is expected of Guus Hiddink’s men at UEFA EURO 2008™ – and the FC Zenit St. Petersburg player is determined to help them deliver.
‘Tough’ opposition
Having suffered a 4-1 defeat by Spain in their Group D opener, Russia must bounce back against notorious stiflers Greece in Salzburg on Saturday. But, as Zyryanov concedes, they may find it a difficult task. “The next match will be very tough, because neither team has a point yet,” said the 30-year-old. “The recipe for success will be to take our chances and also to be very vigilant in defence. As for Greece’s cautious style of play, we will watch their matches and study them. But they are a very difficult opponent.”
Russian voices need to be heard
June 13, 2008 at 11:39 pm | In Russia | Leave a CommentTags: Guus Hiddink, Russia
Prior to UEFA EURO 2008™, Guus Hiddink opted to give youth a chance by filling the Russian ranks with young hopefuls keen on making an impression on the international stage.
Leaders needed
The fresh faces prospered in a qualifying group that contained Croatia, England and Israel and the successful Dutch tactician decided to remain faithful to the majority of players who earned their country the right to compete in Austria and Switzerland. The problem with youth, as Hiddink knows, is the lack of experience that comes with it. Russia were badly exposed in their opening game against Spain where they made elementary errors that could have been avoided. Even more worrying is the apparent lack of an on-field leader who is prepared to bellow orders and keep team-mates on their toes. The question now is, can the Russian players be coached out of their collective timidity in time for the Group D showdown with Greece?
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