Calm before the storm

The Russians will be out for revenge in this one. The only blemish on the qualifying record of Guus Hiddink’s side is a 2-1 defeat to the Germans a year ago in Dortmund. That defeat would have smarted. In October 2008, Russian football was still on a high after the fantastic performance at the Euros. Players and fans alike could still clearly remember spanking the Netherlands in the quarter finals, and the incredible celebrations in the streets of Moscow. There was a real feeling that Russia could beat Germany on their own turf. This was heightened by the news that, while Russia were beating Wales, the Germans could only manage a draw in Finland. It wasn’t to be though - after going two down in the first half, Russia could only pull one back in the second through the mercurial Andrey Arshavin.

Arshavin will be called upon to play a big role in Saturday’s game. The pint-sized hit man was still playing in the Russian top flight last time around, and Hiddink will be hoping that the Arsenal man’s experience playing in the more competitive English Premier League will have added something to his game.

Germany will also be fired up for this match, which looks likely to be played in damp conditions on Luzhniki’s plastic pitch. They are unbeaten in qualifying; the only team to take any points off them has been Finland. In fact, had the Germans reached this amount of points in most of the other groups they would already be through. Russia are the last hurdle for Joachim Low’s side, and he will demand a performance from his players.