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Russia warned to take Slovenia seriously
Read a full match preview of the World Cup qualifying
play-off first leg game between Russia and Slovenia at Luzhniki Stadium
in Moscow on Saturday Nov 14, 2009, kick-off 4pm (GMT).
By Steve Wilson and John Ley
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Photo: livesoccertv.com
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Russia coach Guus Hiddink has warned his side not to under-estimate
Slovenia when the two sides clash on Saturday in the first-leg of their
2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaT play-off.
Russia, semi-finalists at UEFA Euro 2008, are the overwhelming favourites
to reach the finals in South Africa next summer, but Hiddink insists that
unheralded Slovenia can rise to the occasion. "We should never underestimate
Slovenia," Hiddink said. "They are a very strong team, both
in terms of their results and playing style.
"Slovenia are very disciplined and hard-working with a modern concept
of playing. Their strength is their unity, there are no individual stars
in their line-up."
Dutchman Hiddink added that the outcome of the two-legged play-off with
Slovenia will have an effect upon the development of Russian football.
"Two very important matches lie ahead," he said.
Russia skipper Andrei Arshavin confirmed Hiddink's beliefs. "In the
play-offs any accidental goal can change the situation completely,"
said Arsenal star Arshavin.
"We should avoid any kind of celebration
before we achieve our goal",
Russia captain Andrei Arshavin.
"It's even more important as we still do not know exactly what we
are capable of. We should avoid any kind of celebration before we achieve
our goal."
Russia, who finished second in their group four points behind Germany,
have met Slovenia on three previous occasions - clinching a win in a friendly
while two of their meetings in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
ended in a draw and a defeat.
Russia have played twice previously appeared in play-offs. In their first
attempt, they lost their two-legged clash for a place in the 1998 FIFA
World Cup finals to Italy. The second try was more successful with Russian
beating Wales on their way to the UEFA Euro 2004.
On Saturday, Russia should be at full-strength, but Hiddink is concerned
about the poor form of Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who is lacking
match practice at his club. Another first-team player, Chelsea winger
Yury Zhirkov, who recently overcame a knee injury, is also lacking match
fitness.
Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek confidently predicted his team would win in
Moscow. "We are definitely capable," said Kek. "The Russians
are under pressure as favourites and we have a very strong desire to play
at our first ever World Cup."
Slovenia skipper Robert Koren warned Russia they should prepare for a
shock. "We have already proved that we can play quality football,"
Koren said. "But we have continued improving our playing. We will
give everything we have to win."
FIFA.com,
13 November 2009
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