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HIDDINK: NEXT GAME WILL BE HARDER
Russia outplayed Azerbaijan 2:0 on Saturday in
the World Cup-2010 qualification.
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Guus Hiddink Photo SPORT EXPRESS
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Guus Hiddink claims that Russia has no right to lose points
in matches against Azerbaijan and Lichtenstein.
Russian national team head coach Guus Hiddink gave an interview to Sport
Express after Saturday World Cup-2010 qualifier against Azerbaijan (2:0).
"We achieved necessary result on Saturday and it's the most important
thing for us", said Hiddink. "High-class team has no right to
lose points in such games".
"Azerbaijani team played well in defence and they didn't even think
about attacks mainly because we were very attentive in defence except
the last three or four minutes when we lost concentration. No matter who
is your opponent and what are figures on the scoreboard, you always need
to give your best on the pitch as you have no right to relax. More experienced
teams will punish those, who relax".
"I can't say that the game turned to be very entertaining and breath-taking.
We created not so many scoring chances, and our attacks were often not
very dangerous".
"On the other hand, after the first goal the team continued to search
for a suitable moment to extend the lead. Hardly one can argue that we
fully controlled the game, but players could have looked more effective
in front of so many supporters who came to Luzhniki. More than 60 thousand
fans came to the stadium, and they deserved more impressive performance".
"Meanwhile I agree with the statement that our players lacked freshness.
However it's worth mentioning that Azerbaijani players stuck in their
penalty area. I always said that Russian team can play offensive kind
of football. And this time we also tried to pay more attention to attacks,
though it was not our best game".
"During pre-match practice I had a chance to prove that Roman Pavlyuchenko
is in good form. I am pleased that Roman gave his contribution to our
victory over Azerbaijan. Tough he can play much better than on Saturday.
Like his partners he was not focused on the match in several episodes,
while he can give more pressure on the opponents".
"Denis Kolodin missed our roster list for the game, since he needs
to catch his usual playing rhythm after an injury. Denis was working well
during our trainings, and if he continues working in the same way he will
return to his best level".
"I was fully concentrated on our fixture with Azerbaijan. Now it's
time to pay my attention to our next clash, which will take place on Wednesday.
I have no doubts that the coming game will be much harder than the previous
one, but we will make for Vaduz only for three points".
"There are no weak teams in modern football and players should understand
that underestimation of their challengers could lead to big problems.
Lichtenstein is a good team, which plays well at home".
"Russian players need enough space for their attacks. They will need
to get used to new conditions in Vaduz as quick as possible and try to
take the initiative".
"Of course I keep in mind our tactics and strategy for the upcoming
fixture, but I haven't decided whether there will be any chances in the
starting lineup. I will make the final decision on the day of game".
Sport
Express Daily, 30 Mar 2009
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