THE VIEW FROM RUSSIA

“Belgium will be hard to beat. It is between Russia and Denmark for second place, with our opponents having the advantage of playing at home in the last game, which may be decisive. Besides, the Danish players that perform at big European clubs have the experience most our players do not.”

Egor Titov, coach and ex-international

“I would have rated Russia’s chances higher if the tournament was held a year ago. The World Cup spirit is gone by now and the age of key players is 30 and above. The younger players are not ready to take their place yet. No quarter-final this time.”

Konstantin Kleschev, TV pundit