Advokaat built this side around the Zenit model with most of their players plus CSKA. It's worked very well so far. Definitely enough to get them out of the group stage.
They had Guus Hiddink before this and the current team has 7 players who played in the last EC. Same core and probably a similar philosophy. They're unbeaten since Feb 2011 and conceded only 4 goals in qualifying. Title contenders?
I will be shocked if they don't finish first but I think their weaknesses will be exposed after that. Their backline is slow so they will sit deep against better attacking sides which can cause them problems.
What happened to Igor Akinfeev? He was rated like a top 5 keeper in Europe some seasons back. Dzagoev also used to be very highly rated
Really impressive performance from the Russians! If they keep playing like this, they will definitely go far in this tournament.
Dzagoev, man of the tournament so far? The closest player I have seen to Ozil; reads the game and finds spaces like him. He is very strong on the ball and calm in tight spaces. Too much space for him? We'll c.
Yup, Russia really did impress a lot in this one, but they always do and fail on their one arrogance. Maybe, this time it will be different? We´ll shall see. I used to follow Dzagoev closer since a couple of months and he really shined today. Could possibly become the Breakout-Star of the Tournament.
What all 2 matches?... Nothing like Ozil. Ozil is skillful on the ball and uses deft touches to create openings. Dzagoev is fast and powerful. More like KPB than Ozil.
Anyone else think Russia are looking pretty good? I think they will win the group and may by some chance get to the semis.. Does the runner up of this group play us, if we win ours??
So for us to have the best chance for advancing to finals is we HAVE to win our group.. Then we can end up with either Poland or Greece (very doable) Then a tougher but manageable semi (Italy, France, England) I don't think Spain will lose group c, they are still looking real good.
If germany finish 1st and spain finish 2nd or spain 1st and germany 2nd, they could only meet in the semis. I think it is a possible scenario. And a Russia quarterfinal will be tough if germany finishes 2nd. Damn, it feels like this Euro is going to be tougher than the world cup '10.
Yep. Plus I like his celebaration. Seriously though it is like Dzagoev studies Ozil's movement. Read Micheal Cox's piece on Ozil. Ozil is key to Real Madrid's attack http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/ne...mesut-ozil-importance-real-madrid-michael-cox