The Spartak Moscow player has made a prediction ahead of the opening Euro 2012 group stage match against the Narodak and has praised Milan Baros
There is little arguing that the Russian national team has excelled in the friendly matches ahead of Euro 2012.
Though, Russia had failed to win the first two matches against Uruguay and Lithuania, they managed to find the winning form after winning the third friendly match 3-0 against Italy at Zurich.
Zenit St. Petersburg’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roman-Shirokov-c31645 killed the game after scoring two second-half goals against the Blues.
Spartak Moscow midfielder, Dmitri Khlestov, has conceded that the opening game of the European tournament will be far more intense as compared to the earlier played friendly matches.
“Of course, the upcoming meeting with the Czech Republic will be a much more intense than the last match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926, in which our team won with a big score. Both the team will try to win the opening match. The first game is
very important from a psychological standpoint.”
“I wish we can surpass our rivals in all components, but, unfortunately, I cannot say that because we face a strong opponent.” The Russian Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Khlestov went on to motivate the Russian players to trust their head coach, d**k Advocaat, and advised them to retain confidence in their abilities if they are to help their team reach the later stages of the continental tournament.
The Besiktas midfielder has warned the Russian defenders against Milan Baros, insisting that the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 man can open up any defence.
Media reports in Russia suggest that Baros will pass a late fitness test ahead of Friday’s match, as the 30-year-old has sustained a knock while playing in a friendly match against Hungary.
The Galatasaray striker has helped his team finish at the top of the Super Lig table after scoring eight goals from 28 league appearances last season.
Khlestov has conceded that Baros will play the upcoming match despite his injury, because players do not get many chances in life to play in bigger tournaments.
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