FWC-Russia
Russia:-
“Sbornaya” are a different team under new coach Fabio Capello and their nation expects some respectable results before hosting the WC in 4 years’ time.
First of all, clearly, coach Capello has gone with “experience over youth” in his final squad selection; as Russia's most-probable line-up boasts one of THE highest average squad ages among all the teams competing: namely 28 years and 343 days almost!
The biggest issue regarding Russia’s defense is their lack of an established RB; mainly due to experienced (standby) Aleksandr Anyukov’s lack of game time during the previous season because of injury. While Aleksey Kozlov has shown flashes of prominence with Kuban Krasnodar and, more recently, Dinamo Moskau, the fact that he’s a “late bloomer” has not encouraged coach Capello to fully trust him with that role.
Between switching Andrey Yeschenko (a natural LB) to the right side of defense (hence, pushing Dmitri Kombarov, a natural LM, back into LB) and inverting Vladimir Granat from his usual CB position into an RB role, coach Capello has created a very uncertain atmosphere on both sides of the pitch in defensive and, consequently, offensive areas for the Russian team.
In regards to Russia’s attacking approach, much of their play will focus on an organized set-up in midfield; where coach Capello might look to implement a diamond-like formation so as to coordinate play between their defensive and offensive lines.
The great experience and vision which most of their midfielders possess (Roman Shirokov injury and fitness permitting) is a real asset for Russia going forward, and they will look to play the ball between themselves before latching it forward to their attackers; all the while ensuring that they do not leave holes in the middle of the park as well as protecting their, somewhat, fragile wide defensive areas.
Russia have great physicality about their play and sometimes enforce an aggressive style when retaining possession; leading to numerous challenges from opposition players. It is this physical presence that will prove to be very dangerous in set-pieces and all-round general aerial play when attempting to go forward.
It is worth mentioning that the apparent lack of communication between the coach and the players (also between the players themselves!) during matches could, quite possibly, prove to be a tad fatal during the entirety of the WC campaign; especially in situations when things would not be going Russia’s way.
Should coach Capello find the perfect formula on either side of his defense and arrange for a proper harmonious attacking lay-out, while simultaneously having all his midfielders fully fit and in-form, then Russia might just prove to be a surprise package at this WC.
Main man: The deadly youth duo: Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Kokorin: Dzagoev’s great technique, wonderful dribbling skills and keen eye for goal will be vital for Russia, should he feature from the start. While Kokorin’s great goal-scoring abilities, amazing pace and dominant aerial play will only make opposition defenders’ lives miserable.
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 98.08
“Sbornaya” are a different team under new coach Fabio Capello and their nation expects some respectable results before hosting the WC in 4 years’ time.
First of all, clearly, coach Capello has gone with “experience over youth” in his final squad selection; as Russia's most-probable line-up boasts one of THE highest average squad ages among all the teams competing: namely 28 years and 343 days almost!
The biggest issue regarding Russia’s defense is their lack of an established RB; mainly due to experienced (standby) Aleksandr Anyukov’s lack of game time during the previous season because of injury. While Aleksey Kozlov has shown flashes of prominence with Kuban Krasnodar and, more recently, Dinamo Moskau, the fact that he’s a “late bloomer” has not encouraged coach Capello to fully trust him with that role.
Between switching Andrey Yeschenko (a natural LB) to the right side of defense (hence, pushing Dmitri Kombarov, a natural LM, back into LB) and inverting Vladimir Granat from his usual CB position into an RB role, coach Capello has created a very uncertain atmosphere on both sides of the pitch in defensive and, consequently, offensive areas for the Russian team.
In regards to Russia’s attacking approach, much of their play will focus on an organized set-up in midfield; where coach Capello might look to implement a diamond-like formation so as to coordinate play between their defensive and offensive lines.
The great experience and vision which most of their midfielders possess (Roman Shirokov injury and fitness permitting) is a real asset for Russia going forward, and they will look to play the ball between themselves before latching it forward to their attackers; all the while ensuring that they do not leave holes in the middle of the park as well as protecting their, somewhat, fragile wide defensive areas.
Russia have great physicality about their play and sometimes enforce an aggressive style when retaining possession; leading to numerous challenges from opposition players. It is this physical presence that will prove to be very dangerous in set-pieces and all-round general aerial play when attempting to go forward.
It is worth mentioning that the apparent lack of communication between the coach and the players (also between the players themselves!) during matches could, quite possibly, prove to be a tad fatal during the entirety of the WC campaign; especially in situations when things would not be going Russia’s way.
Should coach Capello find the perfect formula on either side of his defense and arrange for a proper harmonious attacking lay-out, while simultaneously having all his midfielders fully fit and in-form, then Russia might just prove to be a surprise package at this WC.
Main man: The deadly youth duo: Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Kokorin: Dzagoev’s great technique, wonderful dribbling skills and keen eye for goal will be vital for Russia, should he feature from the start. While Kokorin’s great goal-scoring abilities, amazing pace and dominant aerial play will only make opposition defenders’ lives miserable.
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 98.08
Ahmad Al-Omar - 6. Jun, 09:59
