Russia gears up for first pre-Euro friendly
Published 22 May, 2008, 23:50
The Russia national football team start their preparations for the Euro 2008 Championships in earnest on Friday, with a Friendly against Kazakhstan. It will give coach, Guus Hiddink, a vital opportunity to look at various players, with the tournament getting underway in under three weeks time.
With Russia's first game against Spain on 10th June, and Guus Hiddink has plenty to think about.
He's got to name his final squad of 23 players in a weeks time, which will leave two players disappointed.
Aleksandr Pavlenko is one of those battling for a place, but he says the players will be relaxed for the Kazakhstan game.
“I just need to get out on the pitch and play my game. The season is well underway in Russia. We've played eleven matches so far, so all the players should be in good physical shape,” Aleksandr Pavlenko, Spartak Moscow and Russia midfielder, said.
Kazakhstan are not a footballing powerhouse. They are way down at 122 in the FIFA rankings, almost a hundred places than their Russian opponents.
However, the upcoming match is a rare case where the result isn't too important.
“Friendly games are always a big part of preparing for major tournaments. I'm sure there are things Hiddink is looking out for, and it will give him the chance to look at different players and formations,” Sergey Semak, Rubin Kazan and Russian midfielder said.
Friday's match against Kazakhstan will be a farewell to the Russian fans. Two days later, the team departs for Germany, where they'll play friendlies with Serbia and Lithuania. And then onto the championships.
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