UEFA Euro Team Watch - Russia

Russia is one of the strong contenders to reach the quarter-final of the tournament. They have produced some surprises in the last tournament reaching the semis and everyone want to watch if they can do it again.

Group A opponents - Poland, Greece, Czech Republic

Past Records in Euro

Russia qualified for Euro 1996 but were unable to continue after the group stage with two defeats and a draw. They failed to qualify for Euro 2000 but qualified for Euro 2004. The qualification was, however, controversial as Russian midfielder Yegor Titov tested positive for drugs. They were eliminated in the group stage after losses to Spain and Portugal, before winning their last game against Greece.

Euro 2008

Russia, after the appointment of Guus Hiddink, were on a high as they qualified for Euro 2008, one point above England, in the second place.

In the tournament finals, they were in Group D along with Spain, Sweden and Greece. After losing the first game against Spain they went on to win both the group stage games.

Results

Loss Spain – 4-1

Win Russia – 1-0

Win Sweden – 2-0

In the quarter-final, they met Netherlands, who were the tournament favorites going into this game. Roman Pavlyuchenko’s first half volley goal was neutralized by Ruud van Nistelrooy to make it 1-1. In extra-time, Andre Arshavin’s assist and a goal led them through to the semis with a 3-1 win.

Russia met Spain again in the semi-final. They finished the half-time with a 0-0 scoreline but were unable to stop the Champions Spain from winning with final score 3-0.

Euro 2012

Road to Qualification

Russia topped their group above Republic of Ireland by just two points. In the qualifiers they won seven and lost one out of the ten matches played.                              

                                                                  Probable Line-up

Akinfeev
Anyukov - A Berezutsky - Burlak - Zhirkov
Shirokov - Semshov - Zyryanov
Dzagoev - Kerzhakov – Arshavin

Most capped Players

Andrei Arshavin – 68 caps (17 goals)

Aleksandr Anyukov – 63 caps (1 goal)

Aleksandr Kerzhakov – 58 caps (17 goals)

Top Goalscorers

Roman Pavlyuchenko – 20 goals

Andrei Arshavin – 17 goals

Aleksandr Kerzhakov – 17 goals

Man To Watch

                                                                Andrei Arshavin

Arshavin, the Russian captain, has been the most influential player in the past years for Russia. He has begun to find form with goals and assists at Zenit. He is believed to be one of the best players when he is at his best. With his magical runs through defences, he can produce as well as score goals.