Mostovoi realistic about Russia's chances
Veteran Russia midfielder Alexander Mostovoi admits it will be “extremely difficult” for his side to reach the Euro 2004 quarter-finals after injuries rocked the team’s preparations.
First-choice central-defensive pair Victor Onopko (knee) and Sergei Ignashevich (ankle) are both out of their tournament opener against Spain in Faro tomorrow, with hosts Portugal their second opponents next Wednesday.
Two defeats would leave them in danger of being out of the competition even before their last group game against Greece.
For 35-year-old Mostovoi, who suffered relegation from the Spanish Primera Liga this season with Celta Vigo, the prospect of more disappointment is very real.
We should take a sober view of things. It will be extremely difficult for us to get out of the group stage with two of Europe’s finest teams – Spain and Portugal – up against us. We can say what we like, but these two teams are stronger than us.”
He added: “When Victor was leaving the team camp because of his injury it was clear that he took it hard, he looked awful. I felt the same. We were the national team’s most experienced players.
“He was the only one who had played with me during Soviet times. However, it has happened and we cannot do anything about it.”
Things are so bad in the Russian camp that Portsmouth’s on-loan midfielder Alexei Smertin – the new captain – could even play at the back.
He said: “I have a feeling I will be used there. In training, I am put together with the defenders, which probably means I will have to switch position.
“There is no room for error in defence, and the most important thing is to develop an understanding between us, which comes with experience and which I, in the defensive positions, lack. We need to be in sync, if we try to catch a player offside we need to be together, and if we cover each other we need this understanding.”
But some Russians are trying to look on the bright side with assistant coach Alexander Borodyuk saying: “Losing two key defenders is a problem for any side. But this is a chance for young and less experienced players to come in and show they can play.”
Midfield player Dmitri Loskov, who has just returned to training after shaking off a back injury himself, echoed those sentiments, saying: “It is a pity the lads were sidelined, but they are not the only two players who can play football in Russia. We need to get a good result against Spain, we are very motivated and will not be daunted by the losses.”
