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ARSHAVIN: MY WISH CAME TRUE
The captain of the Russian national team Andrey
Arshavin shared his opinion on our future opponent in the play-offs.
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Andrey Arshavin Photo SPORT EXPRESS
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"I remember that I chose Slovenia out of all possible
teams," said the Arsenal forward. "And my wish came true."
"But we should not be happy in advance - let's put the celebration
till victories. At the moment we should bear in mind that any opponent
should be treated seriously and we should be 100% ready."
"In Russia everybody is happy now that we are to play Slovenia but
in Ljubljana believe me they were also happy - for they managed to avoid
France and Portugal. So both teams will have high spirits by the matches."
"I do not know this team and probably that is why I wanted it more
than others. I remember the games of 2001. The main team lost 1:2 on the
road while the youth team including Kerzhakov, Ignashevich, Bystrov, Vasiliy
Berezutsky and me won 3:1."
"The results of the draw I learnt after the training session lying
on the massage table. Before this at the training Gallaz said that the
draw was over and we were to play Ukraine."
"When he saw that I took it seriously and was a bit woozy he smiled
and said it was a joke."
"Then I answered that after this Ukraine will definitely play France.
He waved his hands saying: No, no. And it turned out that both our teams
avoided Ukraine."
"Gallaz knew only that Ukraine is a very dangerous opponent and a
good team. And moreover nobody here wants to go to post-soviet countries
in November - they are sure there will be frosts."
"Returning to Slovenia it is not the worst variant. But on the other
hand in the play-offs matches the element of unpredictable is always higher."
"An occasional goal especially on the road can turn everything upside
down."
"Every opponent becomes the most dangerous only when you know you
are to play with him. Moreover it is not always clear what to expect of
us. And that is why we have it harder."
Sport
Express Daily, 20 Oct 2009
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