The Dutch tactician has refused to reveal the starting line-up; assures the fans of winning the opening Euro 2012 group stage game against Czech Republic
d**k Advocaat has conceded that the Russian national team is in optimum condition ahead of the first group stage match against the Czech Republic at Stadion Miejski on Friday.
However, he has admitted that his side faces a sterner test to play the opening game against a decent opponent. The last time these two sides met in Euro 1996, Russia held the Narodak 3-3 at Anfield.
Advocaat, who had earlier conceded that Russia are not the favourites to win the European tournament, has defended his statement, insisting that he was referring to his side’s chances in the tournament.
The former Zenit St. Petersburg manager has conceded that his side is fully prepared for the match against Czech, insisting that most of the national team players have recovered from injuries. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marat-Izmailov-c23466
and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Igor-Akinfeev-c16676 are said to miss the opening game after sustaining injuries.
Russia managed to get just one sweet result out of the three friendly matches they had played prior to the opening game. They managed to win 3-0 against Italy after drawing the first two matches against Uruguay and Lithuania.
Advocaat has expressed his satisfaction over their latest win and assured the fans of continuing with the same spirit in Euros.
“I'm certainly going to worry about tomorrow's game, given the pressure that is upon us. For me, this is the fifth tournament of this level. I know that the last win against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926, has given us much confidence.” The UEFA Cup winner
was quoted as saying.
The Dutch tactician has admitted that Russia need to work very hard to get a positive result against the Narodak given that the Euro 2004 semi-finalists are the favourites to progress from group stages.
“Several years ago, Czech Republic had showed top football and were one of the strongest teams in Europe. Now they are restructuring the team and have made significant progress since two years ago.” The 64-year-old coach concluded.
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