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World Cup Group A Preview: Russia eyes success at home World Cup

By Shawn Ivan D'souza

TOULOUSE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Russia players line up for the team photos prior to the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between Russia and Wales at Stadium Municipal on June 20, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
TOULOUSE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Russia players line up for the team photos prior to the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between Russia and Wales at Stadium Municipal on June 20, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /
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The World Cup is around the corner and here is our preview on the hosts, Russia.

All eyes will be on Russia as the tournament kicks off on the 14th of June. 32 teams will battle out to win the biggest footballing prize, The World Cup.

Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia will be hoping to be a great host to the visitors. But they will also be hoping that their players can put the past behind their head and have a strong tournament this time around.

Russia won the hosting rights for this year’s World Cup on 2nd December 2010. There were 4 bids on the table. England was eliminated in the first round. Russia bagged 13 votes (one more than the required majority), beating Portugal-Spain and Belgium-Netherlands to earn a direct qualification to the tournament as well.

Last appearance: Sbornaya made it to the last edition of the World Cup in Brazil. Russia was pitted against Belgium, Algeria and South Korea. They managed to secure only 2 points as they finished 3rd in their group.

Best Result: Russia’s best performances have come when they were part of the Soviet Union. In 1966, The Red Army finished in fourth place, losing out to Portugal 2-1 in the third-place play-off.

Manager: Stanislav Cherchesov is a Soviet Union era goalkeeper who is known for his time at Spartak Moscow and Tirol Innsbruck. He has 49 international caps to his name while playing for USSR, CIS and Russia. In August 2016, he was named as the new manager of Russia.

Cherchesov has one of the worst records with the national side. His win percentage is a mere 26.31%. Under his leadership, Russia has played 19 matches and have faced defeat 9 times.

Star Player: Kransdor’s Fydor Smolov will have to play a key part if the host nation are to get out of the group stages. The 28-year old made 24 appearances this season, scoring 14 times. He has a good record with the national side, 12 goals in 31 matches.

Prediction: If Russia performs well, there is no doubt that they will make it to the knockouts. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are certain to threaten them for a top two spot. But the host nation has the quality to beat them and secure a spot in the Round of 16.

Next: The best 10 players to watch at the World Cup

How do you think Russia will do in their World Cup?

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