Cheryshev shrugs off allegations of doping
RUSSIA striker Denis Cheryshev has denied doping allegations.
Villarreal winger Cheryshev, 27, is the hosts’ top scorer at the tournament with three goals.
But the Russians have been dogged by doping claims following their 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia and 3-1 victory over Egypt.
Cheryshev has been accused of taking a growth hormone in the past – but denied the allegation when it was put to him on the eve of today’s clash with Spain at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
“This is not true,” he said. “I don’t know where journalists got this from.
“I have never used any prohibited substances and you don’t even have to think twice about it – that’s my answer.”
Cheryshev has vowed to continue his rich form and pile further misery on Spain and Manchester United keeper David De Gea, who has endured a difficult tournament.
Slumps
“That’s my intention as a striker, to score,” he said.
“It’s true all players go through slumps and bad times, but we have to be professional and focus on what we have to do.
“Spain have some great players, they might be the best team in the world, but any team can hurt another and we will do our best.”
Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov said his players must think they are immortal if they are to cause a major upset today and eliminate one of the favourites.
“As we say in Russia, anyone can be God if he tries,” said Cherchesov. “It’s clear that this is a play-off, life or death, with only one team going through.
“Spain have the ball most of the time, more than their opponents. We know we’ll have to look for our own chances and work out our own strategy.”