POR-RUS: Perfection in Sight

June 5th, 2013 | by: nick | No Comments »

One of the biggest matches in Europe will be taking place this Friday, June 7, in Lisbon. Portugal and Russia will be taking on the most important match in UEFA’s Group F. Fabio Capello has led Russia to four wins out of four matches while Bento’s side have struggled. A Russian win paves the way for them to top the group and qualify directly. A draw would have similar results but with a smaller cushion. A loss would set up a fierce battle for the top spot later in the fall but the group would still be winnable since Russia have two games in hand.

Russia do not have good memories in playing in Lisbon. On June 16, 2004, Russia were defeated 2-0 in the second group match becoming the first team to be officially eliminated from Euro 2004. Later in October of the same year, Russia were thrashed by six goals in a 7-1 scoreline during the qualification stage for the 2006 World Cup and were eventually eliminated by Slovakia on goal difference.

Capello has chosen an entirely domestic squad with previous Spain based call up Denis Cheryshev omitted. England based players Andrey Arshavin and Pavel Pogrebnyak have long been out of the picture. Injuries have also impacted the front line.

Squad and Formation
Goalkeepers
At the very back, Vladimir Gabulov made a spectacular return under Capello after not being called up during Advoccat’s tenure and appears to be the second choice to Igor Akinfeev after the retirement of Vyacheslav Malafeev. Gaboulov may start given his solid performance against Brazil. Rubin’s Sergei Ryzhikov is called up as the third choice goalkeeper.

Defence
The back line will likely feature all of the usual players in their ordinary positions. Sergei Ignashevich will partner one of the Berezutski brothers at the heart of the defence. Capello has a few options as full backs. He may go with the usual starters, Aleksandr Anyukov and Yuri Zhirkov; both of whom provide reliable width and overlap. Other options on the right include Kirill Nababkin and Aleksei Kazlov. On the left, Dmitri Kombarov provides the speedier option incase Zhirkov isn’t fast enough. Vladimir Granat who usually plays as a center back also has the ability to play as a left back.

Midfield
The midfield has just as many, if not more, options for Capello to choose from. Viktor Fayzulin and Roman Shirokov anchored the team against Brazil while Igor Denisov was dropped. Capello will likely revert back to the Fayzulin-Denisov partnership; a duo that provides the foundation for a solid 4-4-2. If he choses a 4-2-3-1 with a five man midfield, Shirokov will likely partner Denisov directly behind Fayzulin. Other options for the center include Dmitri Tarasov and Denis Glushakov. Tarasov is new comer with no caps to his name who provides aerial cover while Glushakov is an ideal option for the central or attacking midfield position.

Out wide, Capello has options in the form of Vladimir Bystrov, Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Samedov, Aleksei Ionov, and Aleksandr Ryazantsev. Bystrov and Dzagoev are regular starters and are reliable down the flanks. Bystrov has the ability to provide crosses while Dzagoev, when positioned on the left, provides creativity similar to Arshavin. Samedov and Ionov provide valuable cover on both flanks while Ryazantsev is known for his long range goals at Rubin Kazan.

Attack
Capello’s forward options are limited to just Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Fyodor Smolov. Artyom Dzuba and Aleksandr Kokorin were initial inclusions but have been omitted through injury. This shortage will most likely mean Capello will use a 4-2-3-1 with inverted wingers to provide reliable support and firepower. Kerzhakov is the undisputed starter with Smolov as his backup.

Players to Watch
Aleksandr Anyukov: Bleacher Report mentioned the Russian right flank will be battling the Portuguese left flank for supremacy. Look for him to cut off service to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Aleksandr Samedov: He played a critical part against Israel last fall and if he starts he may be in a pivotal battle against Fabio Coentrao.

The match will be on ESPN3 on Friday, June 7 at 3.45PM EDT in the US