Vyacheslav Malafeev believes that a draw in the upcoming match against Greece can help them reach the quarter-finals of the European tournament
Zenit St. Petersburg and the Russian national team goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vyacheslav-Malafeev-c36502, has expressed his delight after getting more first team action this time around, insisting that he has worked hard to get his chance.
Malafeev started Russia’s latest match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Igor-Akinfeev-c16676.
There is little arguing that the 33-year-old shot-stopper had failed to get a chance to represent his country under Guus Hiddink at Euro 2008 previously. However, he remained optimistic over his possible selection at Euro 2012
after putting in fabulous performances at club level time and again.
The UEFA Cup winner has made 41 Russian Premier League appearances at Zenit last season.
Media reports in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Russia-c2991 had suggested Akinfeev to start the respective encounter. However, Malafeev retained his place between the bars as d**k Advocaat was advised by the medical staff not to play just-recovered Akinfeev.
The Koni goalkeeper has recently recovered from a knee injury he sustained during Russia’s third friendly match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 at Zurich.
Commenting on Russia’s latest 1-1 draw against the White Eagles, Malafeev has lamented the outcome, insisting that his side would have won the match had they taken all their chances.
“It was very difficult to play in such an atmosphere. The opponent played on the back of home crowd: they managed to create chances at the start and we found it difficult to counterattack. Our pace of the game at some occasions
was low.”
“Probably, the current draw at the national stadium Warsaw will help us. It can help us to play against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Greece-c2908 in a different mood. We want to get to the quarter finals, so we need a little motivation. We need to play our own game
and we need to score goals. We know that a draw can give us an access to the next round.” The Russian Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Malafeev has assured the fans of displaying quality football in the final group stage match against Greece at stadium Narodowy on Saturday.
Tags: