sold out Luzhniki Stadium

As Russia enters Luzhniki early Saturday evening to face Azerbaijan, they will have the voices of a sold out stadium behind them. With 80,000 Muscovites expected for Russia’s return to World Cup qualifying, the club is sounding confident.

However looming ahead is a Azerbaijan and while short on pedigree, their manager Berti Vogts will have them gunning for an upset. The Borussia Mönchengladbach legend has amassed a fine group of young talent who while playing domestically at present could make their way to the European stage. Young striker, Vagif Dzavadov formerly of CSKA Moskova is certainly no stranger to Luzhniki and Belgrade native, Branimir Subašić formerly of Crvena zvezda can score. While Berti Vogts is likely to keep this attacking reigned in for the match, his natural approach is for a lightening assault.

Taking his place in Guus Hiddink is midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. With the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia only in its second week the Lokomotiv Moskva captain noted his readiness:

“I feel good and I am bursting with energy. Cold weather does not bother me either. The pitch is great and will be smooth and flat which is good for us.”

Of the tremendous fan support he added:

“It is cool to have so many fans watching us. They will be there to see us, not our opponents. They expect us to win and their yelling and singing will help us to produce the result we need.”