Israel key to Russia’s supremacy over England
Published: 16 November, 2007, 12:09
Thousands of Russians are flooding into Israel ahead of tomorrow’s must-win Euro 2008 qualifier. A victory at the Ramat Gan stadium and a win against Andorra would see Russia qualify regardless of other results.
With lowly Andorra being their final group game next Wednesday, victory against the Israelis will almost guarantee a place at next summer's finals.
After defeating England in Moscow they are expected to book their tickets to Austria and Switzerland.
With all twenty of Guss Hiddink's charges reporting a clean bill of health, the Dutch specialist is left with choices to make at the number one position.
Choices between posts
Igor Akinfeev returns some six months after being sidelined with a knee injury. Russia's former undisputed number one keeper now has to fight for his position against Vyacheslav Malafeev and Aleksandr Gabulov, who came up big against Macedonia and England respectively.
English fans are certainly rooting against Russia this time around. Their own qualification hopes resting solely in the hands of Dror Kashtan's men.
Israel managed a draw in Moscow last year but they'll be missing Liverpool star Yossi Benayoun, who is injured.
15.11.2007, 17:59
Russia’s skipper close to joining ‘overpaid’ EnglishmenTwo English Premier League sides are keen to sign the Russian captain, Andrey Arshavin. Meanwhile one of his national team-mates has accused English players of earning too much. |
16.11.2007, 13:55
Hot, sexy, glamorous: Elle Style Awards in RussiaSome of Russia’s most stylish women have come out to play at Russia’s first Elle Style Awards. The awards, by Elle magazine, are already a fixture on social circuits in the UK, the Netherlands, India and Taiwan. |
