In a week’s time the Russian football team begin their long road to qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Guus Hiddink's side will open their qualifying campaign at home to Wales.

After the euphoria of Russia's run to the semi-finals of the Euro 2008 championships, Guus Hiddink's team now start all over again, as they look to qualify for the next World Cup in South Africa.

First up will be Wales at home, in a group that also others includes Germany, Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein.

Russia's squad for the match with Wales is almost identical to the one that featured at the European Championships.

Rubin keeper Sergey Ryzhikov is the only uncapped player. He's been called up to replace the injured Vladimir Gabulov.

Meanwhile, there's a welcome return for Pavel Pogrebnyak. The Zenit striker was forced to miss the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Russia have played just once since the Euro's, a friendly against the Netherlands, which they drew 1-1.

Hiddink believes his side can learn from that game going into the match with the Welsh.

“The Welsh team was in transition, but now I think this team has grown. I think Wales has a very enthusiastic team. The fighting spirit in this team is great. So I think it’ll be a difficult encounter. But we must get the maximum points in our home games,” said Guus Hiddink.

The Russian squad held a training session at Moscow’s Dinamo stadium. It was a quiet workout for the players, with Hiddink as usual putting a lot of emphasis on close control.

However, things will soon start to get tougher, with the match against Wales just round the corner.