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RUSSIA'S DIFFICULT TEST IN MARIBOR
Following Saturday's narrow 2-1 victory over
Slovenia in Moscow, Russia travels to Maribor for the deciding leg of
the playoff tie.
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Russia vs. Slovenia Photo SPORT EXPRESS
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With a trip to the World Cup in South Africa riding on the
result, the match has taken an entire new level of tension, particularly
after the unnerving conclusion to opening leg.
Though Russia controlled the overwhelming majority of the match, Nejc
Pecnik notched a late goal to severely dampen the celebration. In-fact,
while Igor Akinfeev pulled off a brilliant added-time stop on Marko Suler
to save the victory for the Russian's, they know that the Slovenian's
are more than capable of pulling off a stunning upset.
While many will question manager Guus Hiddink's decision to continue to
press forward after taking a two goal lead with Vladimir Bystrov coming
in for Sergey Semak at the hour, that is in the past and Russia has a
significant task at hand on Wednesday.
Though Mr. Hiddink noted to Sports Express that there is no need to panic,
he equally recognizes how the return engagement will require the most
from his side.
The Slovenians are billowing with confidence after the late rally in Moscow
and feel the natural grass surface in Maribor will be a tremendous advantage
over the artificial turf of Luzhniki Stadium in addition to the support
of home fans. Addressing local media, Slovenian skipper noted the home
advantage, "Playing on grass and in front of our passionate fans
will give us a distinct advantage."
On a personnel front both sides appear fully-fit and any changes to the
respective line-ups will be tactical in nature. Slovenia manager Matjaz
Kek is unlikely to make any adjustments to his starting eleven and instead
make use of the attacking lessons learned on Saturday.
While Guus Hiddink proved he is unlikely to shy away from the attack for
a more defensive minded approach, Russia certainly will need to address
the tactical needs of what is essentially a showdown match with the World
Cup on the line. While troubled striker Roman Pavlyuchenko rose to the
occasion on Saturday, Russia will need to address the defending weaknesses
that were pried apart late as well as show great pace in its attacks.
While there is concern of Yuriy Zhirkov once again, the pace of Vladimir
Bystrov in the wing could be a powerful advantage going forward and equally
deter Slovenia's back to push the assault.
Ultimately this match will come down to a bitter mid-field battle and
Russia's need to pull the home supporters out of the match early. The
Slovenian's will come out fast with their fans behind them and Guus Hiddink
must show patience and be more attuned to attacking on the counter. Whilst
the Russian manager is unlike to shy away from his attack rich philosophy,
he must further stress solid defensive minded tactics or his side could
miss out on the summer spectacle.
Prepared by John Davies
Sport
Express Daily, 18 Nov 2009
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