“It’s a setback, but every team has a story. With us it’s about Mostovoy. With Roman Yevgeni we have already brought a replacement to the group. Everyone else has been tested, everything is clear,” Cherchesov said today in his own words. press chat.
How strong are the Russians? Can they make life miserable for the Red Devils tomorrow night? Can they get as far at the European Championship as they did at the World Cup in their own country 3 years ago, when they stunted their way to the quarter-finals?
Questions where we will get answers tomorrow and the coming weeks. Coach Cherchesov is now only concerned with the Belgians. As a reminder: in the preliminary round of this European Championship, Belgium and Russia played in the same group. In March 2019, Belgium beat the Russians 3-1, in Russia the Devils won 1-4 in November of the same year.
Cherchesov: “Belgium is a good team with a good coach. We played against each other three times (including a 3-3 practice match in 2017, ed.) and each time the matches were interesting.”
“I’ve learned lessons from it. I’m not going to tell you what they are now, because I don’t want to make the opponent wiser. But they have strong players, with many qualities.”
“Yesterday we practiced in training to counter the strong points of the Belgians. We studied them and now we have to try to convert that into a good game.”
Russian attack leader Artem Dzhuba accompanied his coach at the online press conference. He called the withdrawal of Kevin De Bruyne, who did not travel to Russia for the first group match, “a big loss for Belgium”. Nevertheless, Dzuba highly values the Devils.
“The Belgians are the number 1 in the world ranking and the favorite. I played against them twice already and I remember from their defense that they are very strong, play very disciplined and organized.”
“But we have analyzed the matches well and I know what is expected of me. I will do my best.”
Dzyuba is the undisputed leader of the Russians with 29 goals in 52 international matches. He realizes that the pressure on his shoulders is great. “I’m healthy nervous and looking forward to this tournament,” said the 32-year-old Zenit striker.
“Of course I hope to score, everyone wants to do that, but the team comes first. We have to try to win and take points. The goals will then follow.”
