Russia kicks off South Africa-2010 campaign
Published 10 September, 2008, 11:56
After the heroics at Euro-2008 in June, Russia is back to the bread and butter of World Cup qualification. The European semi-finalists are getting their South Africa-2010 campaign underway at home to Wales on Wednesday.
Europe
Russia vs Wales
Anything other than a convincing win for Guus Hiddink and his team would be a major surprise. The pressure is on the hosts, who will enter the game as hot favourites.
Roman Pavlyuchenko has completely recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to play as a lone striker. His new club Tottenham, though, have expressed some worries about the forward even stepping on the pitch.
Having no injury concerns at all, Hiddink thinks the praise that was heaped on his side following the finals can only help his side.
“If this achievement made at Euro, makes you scared for the future, I don't think it's the right way of thinking. We must use this beautiful moment of Russian football – not only the national team, but one or more clubs and take the next step. In my opinion we must not be afraid of having success, it must encourage everyone,” he said.
As for their opponents, Russia's head coach says nothing can be taken for granted. Hiddink praised the Welsh team despite them being without a number of key players.
Wales will be missing the likes of talisman Jason Koumas and speedster forward Craig Bellamy. In their absence youngster Gareth Bale will hope to take centre stage.
And even though the Spurs defender is still a teenager, he's already nailed down 12 caps and Russia will be well aware of the danger he possesses at set pieces.
Wales made a good start to their campaign, beating Azerbaijan at home. Manager John Toshak says his side might have to play defensive football in Moscow, but one things for sure – they'll keep fighting to the final whistle.
The Bookies fancy Russia to get an easy win, and Guus Hiddink would love to start his next chapter as coach with three points on home soil.
But the Welsh have been a banana-skin for many a bigger team. As always the answer lies in the game.
France vs Serbia
France are preparing for their crucial match against Serbia in Paris.
After going down 3-1 away to Austria on Saturday, Raymond Domenech found himself on the brink of dismissal.
The French media have speculated that Domenech would lose his job if the World Cup runners-up fail to beat Serbia at the Stade de France.
Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda was criticised for not commanding his defence in Vienna and could be ousted by Hugo Lloris, while Florent Malouda may regain his spot on the left wing in place of Samir Nasri.
Defender Philippe Mexes, at fault for two of Austria's goals, is expected to be dropped for either Eric Abidal or Sebastien Squillaci.
Croatia vs England
Meanwhile, England will aim to put an end to their Croatia jinx, when the sides continue their rivalry in Zagreb.
Fabio Capello achieved his first competitive victory on Saturday in a 2-0 win against Andorra in Barcelona, but things are about to heat up.
Croatia, who won their Group Six opener 3-0 against Kazakhstan, beat England home and away to qualify for Euro-2008.
Spain vs Armenia
Euro Champions, Spain looked relaxed as they trained ahead of their home tie with Armenia in Albacete.
Vincente Del Bosque said he plans to make few changes to the side, with perhaps Santi Cazorla starting on the wing instead of Diego Capel.
Barcelona's teenage forward Bojan Krkic, who has yet to make his senior side debut, looks set to watch from the sidelines again, with Daniel Guiza the first change option, while Liverpool's Fernando Torres is still injured.
Faroe Islands vs Romania
Iceland vs Scotland
Andorra vs Belarus
Montenegro vs Ireland Republic
Northern Ireland vs Czech Republic
Sweden vs Hungary
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Estonia
Switzerland vs Luxembourg
Moldova vs Israel
San Marino vs Poland
Lithuania vs Austria
Macedonia FYR vs Netherlands
Finland vs Germany
Portugal vs Denmark
Albania vs Malta
Slovenia vs Slovakia
Italy vs Georgia
Azerbaijan vs Liechtenstein
Turkey vs Belgium
Latvia vs Greece
Kazakhstan vs Ukraine
South America
Brazil vs Bolivia
Brazil, who went up to second in their after beating Chile, will entertain Bolivia in Rio De Janeiro.
In 1993 Bolivia was the first team to ever beat Brazil during qualification, and current coach Dunga was the captain back then.
Dunga is expected to keep his offensive system for the match, with Diego and Robinho as offensive midfielders and the duo of Ronaldinho and Luis Fabiano up front.
Depending on results, a Brazil victory could see them go top of the group.
Peru vs Argentina
Olympic champions Argentina have newfound critics at home following their 1-1 draw with South American leaders Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
Striker Carlos Tevez was sent off in that match and is suspended for the Peru game, and the home team were forced to rely on a second half equaliser from substitute Sergio Aguerro – to salvage something at Monumental Stadium.
On the other hand, Peru, encouraged by their first win of the campaign over Venezuela, say they are ready to pull off an historic victory against Argentina at their own Monumental Stadium in Lima.
Uruguay vs Ecuador
Chile vs Colombia
Asia
Korea DPR vs Korea Republic
Arch-rivals from two Koreas take each other on with the North Koreans in high spirits following an away win over United Arab Emirates.
Both teams will look for a win after drawing three times in three meetings this year.
Korea Republic will be missing Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung and recent Monaco’s Park Chu-Young.
Uzbekistan vs Australia
Qatar vs Bahrain
United Arab Emirates vs Saudi Arabia
Africa
Zambia vs Togo
Chad vs Sudan
North, Central America and Caribbean
Suriname vs El Salvador
Haiti vs Costa Rica
USA vs Trinidad and Tobago
Honduras vs Jamaica
Guatemala vs Cuba
Mexico vs Canada
Ruben Zarbabyan, RT
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