Euro-2008: Russia still believes in Hiddink
Published 20 November, 2007, 21:51
Russia will be keeping their fingers crossed as they travel to Andorra on Wednesday for a must-win game. They will only qualify for Euro-2008 if Croatia beats England at Wembley. But coach Guus Hiddink has the wholehearted backing of Russia's football chiefs.
The Russian football authorities have defended their decision to extend the Dutchman's contract until 2010, despite Russia losing to Israel and seeing their chances of qualification all but vanish.
Vitaly Mutko, the President of the Russian Football Union, admits that Russia need a miracle, but says that Hiddink is still the right man for the job.
Russia’s captain, Andrey Arshavin, will help his team to beat Andorra
Also, England’s team is facing something of a selection crisis before the game with the Group E leaders.
Coach Steve McLaren could be forced to drop first-choice keeper Paul Robinson.
His confidence has nosedived after a string of nervy performances, which saw him at fault for his team's defeat in Moscow.
McLaren now has to decide whether to call in the inexperienced Scott Carson instead.
Centre-back Rio Ferdinand is missing through suspension, while his partner in central defence, team captain John Terry, is injured and considered doubtful.
Upfront Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are both injured. This means that Peter Crouch looks likely to be England's lone forward.
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