Russia dominate World Cup at home: How far can they go?
Russia have dominated their group like no other team at the World Cup thus far. How far can the home team go?
Russia are undoubtedly the biggest surprise at this World Cup. A team few people believed could advance to the knockout stage, the Russians could become the first team to do so should Saudi Arabia draw or lose to Uruguay on Wednesday.
Russia’s 3-1 victory against Egypt, who benefitted from the return of Mohamed Salah, on Tuesday has some in and out of Russia believing they can go on a deep run. Buoyed by the home support and a relatively easy first-round group, Russia are living a dream. After demolishing Saudi Arabia in the opener and dominating Egypt, they’re gathering serious momentum.
It’s always great for a World Cup host to do well. It triggers national enthusiasm and boosts the game’s popularity in the country where the tournament is being held. The large crowds in the streets of Moscow are proof that this is a team that’s galvanized a nation. A World Cup is always more fun when the home team does well.
After pre-tournament favorites like Germany, Brazil and Argentina all flopped in their opening matches, seeing Russia excel has the fans and pundits in a frenzy. It may all come crashing down, especially after they have to play a tougher opponent, but for now the Russians are allowed to dream.
While the first game may have had more to do with Saudi Arabia’s lack of quality, Russia’s dominating of Egypt was more impressive. Stanislav Cherchesov’s side have played old-fashioned, Soviet-style soccer, loaded with one-touch passes and lots of athleticism in the attacking third. Even against Egypt, when the game was tied 0-0 at halftime, the Russians turned it on in the second half determined to grab the win.
The team is led by Villarreal winger Denis Cheryshev. He has three goals at this tournament and certainly has grabbed the attention of clubs across Europe in time for the summer transfer window. He had entered the World Cup as a fringe player, but has proven to be deadly in front of goal. Cheryshev is just another of the many surprises on this Russian team.
On the eve of the tournament, Cherchesov’s words had proved prophetic, saying, “I think half the country will find out that we have a World Cup when the whistle blows. It takes a long time for us to start driving but I think when we press the foot on the pedal, we go all the way.”
Next: Own goals, free kicks and PKs, oh my!
On the eve of the team’s first game, the front page of the Moscow Times ran with this headline: “Ageing and inexperienced: Why Russia is doomed to fail.” There was reason for skepticism. Indeed, this team are nothing like the Russia of recent years. They were dogged by criticism and the fear they wouldn’t even be able to qualify for the round of 16. Now they may very well top their group.
“I can tell you I don’t read [the newspapers],” Cherchesov told reporters last week. “Getting criticism is a natural thing in the world that we live in today. But we never touch upon this topic at all. We have to do everything to earn praise and do everything we can to turn criticism into positive feedback.”
Russia’s next game, against Uruguay on Monday, will be a real test. It’s a quality South American opponent with a rich past. If the Russians can win against them, then there’s really no way to know how far this team can go at what has been a tournament full of surprises and upsets.