Source: Xinhua
06-18-2008 13:18
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsINNSBRUCK, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Sweden are to fight for the last berth of Euro 2008 quarter-finals during their Group D match at the Tivoli Neu Stadium here on Wednesday.
As both teams level on three points after beating reigning champions Greece within Group D but losing to Spain, Russia and Sweden are to face a live-or-die battle for elevation into last eight of the every-four-year football tournament.
Sweden have a superior goal difference, meaning Guus Hiddink's side will be eliminated if the game at the Tivoli Neu Stadium ends in anything but victory for them.
"There's no other way to play than by trying to win from the first minute," said Russia coach Hiddink.
With a quarter-final against his native Netherlands the reward,the coach is keen to accentuate the positives, saying: "We're happy to have the opportunity to play this decisive game, especially when you see that other teams have gone home already."
Fortunately for Hiddink, FC Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin is available for the first time in this 24-day tournament after serving a two-match ban.
However, Hiddink still hesitates on putting the striker into the starting lineup for the decisive game against Sweden.
"There's a lack of rhythm to Arshavin's game because he hasn't played recently; he's not match fit so I don't know if he'll start," said the coach.
Yuri Zhirkov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov are also likely to be available, despite bruised knees picked up against the deposed holders and Dmitri Torbinski is recovering from fatigue.
Hiddink has never before encountered Swedish opposition in his long coaching career, though Russia have failed to beat the Scandinavian side in five attempts as an independent nation, the Dutch man is under no illusions as to the task ahead.
"They're very clear in the way they play and have always had good results playing like this. We like to play very attacking football when possible but the dirty work - the defensive work-rate - also needs to be done," said Hiddink.
The Russia squad, with average age of 26.16, are the youngest among the 16 Euro 2008 teams, while Sweden are the oldest one, with average age of 29.17.
Lack of experience is what the 61-year-old worries about while Sweden exactly boast experience in international tournaments.
Sweden have progressed beyond the knockout stages at their last three international tournaments, but coach Lars Lagerback are not as confident as Hiddink.
"Russia have a strong team offensively and we have to be very focused on that, all their players are good, they're very strong on the left side in particular," the Sweden coach said.
"It's very difficult to say who are the favorites as it's such a decisive game, it starts at 50-50 I think," he added.
Lars Lagerback's team are troubled with injuries. Sweden will play without Christian Wilhelmsson due to a hamstring problem while Niclas Alexandersson is struggling with a calf strain.
The state of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's knee is a key factor for Sweden. Ibrahimovic's injured knee forced his half-time substitution in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Spain.
"We're not sure about Ibrahimovic, we have an individual training plan for him," Lars Lagerback said.
However, Lagerback said Sweden are well-prepared with the battle with Russia.
"There's nothing dramatic, it's just about being ready for allthe eventualities that may arise. What we need to improve on is keeping the ball in the final third," he said.
Editor:Zhang Ning
