Cherchesov tasked to take Russia to World Cup last four
It is 29 days to go for hostilities to begin at the Russia 2018 World Cup. Today we begin the countdown for the world most celebrated sport fiesta with a look at hosts Russia.
No Russian team has made it out of the group stage at the World Cup since the Soviet era and a spate of recent injuries is going to make it tough on the hosts again this year.
Expectations have plummeted since Russia won the right to host the World Cup eight years ago. Back then, the team glowed with potential after reaching the semifinals at the 2008 European Championship.
But there has been no Russian revival. Despite having the largest population in Europe and a rich football history, Russia is a sleeping giant.
At Euro 2018, Russia was better known for its marauding hooligans than its defence first approach in games.
The Russians appeared to have the luck of the draw at the Kremlin in December, however. They were handed a World Cup opener on June 14 against Saudi Arabia - the only team in the Fifa rankings below the hosts - while Egypt and Uruguay complete the group.
However, recent friendlies have shown the injury-hit Russian defence could struggle to contain two of the game’s most potent strikers: Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Luis Suarez of Uruguay.
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Russia’s World Cup squad will consist almost entirely of players who play in the domestic league, largely thanks to a limit on foreign players.