HIDDINK: RUSSIA'S FOOTBALL STYLE BECAME RECOGNIZABLE
The Dutch specialist Guus Hiddink shares his
point of view on the Russian team's victory in Finland.
Guus Hiddink Photo SPORT
EXPRESS
Right after the World Cup qualifier against Finland (3:0)
the Dutch coach made a few comments on Russia's victory and left for his
homeland. Meanwhile the journalists collected many questions to the Russian
team head coach.
When Hiddink found out that the Sport Express was published with the headline
'The national team, we love you!' on the front page the day after victory
in Helsinki, the coach was very happy.
"It's very pleasant and I think the national team deserved it",
said Hiddink to Sport Express. "When we played with Azerbaijan and
Liechtenstein in spring, we earned six points, but the team didn't show
overwhelming football. Russia won these matches thanks to our high class".
"Our game against Finland required more emotions from players. We
prepared for it very seriously as we knew that we had no right to lose
points in Helsinki".
"We set players to dominate the game from the very beginning and
dictate their play on Finland. We always study our opponents' strong and
weak sides and build our game in the way that our team manages to show
all best qualities".
"Russian national team loves playing football. During the last three
years the team worked our their own unique playing style, which could
be called attractive. I suppose that Russia's football style became recognizable".
"At the same time I like that players understand importance of rough
work. In Finland our defenders, midfielders and strikers pressed the opponents
very well".
"Confidence in our superiority became the main component of our victory.
And players' physical form also let them move on the pitch all the time
and create dangerous moments in Finland's penalty area".
"We took the risk and capped Alexandr Kerzhakov as a starter and
he scored two goals. This striker deserves kind words. Since the first
day of our pre-match preparations he demonstrated his eagerness to play
in Finland".
"It's very important that Kerzhi behaved line a full-fledged member
of the team. Partners helped him feel at home in the national team again".
"After the match with Finland Kerzhakov admitted that he was surprised
with changes happened in the national team during year and a half of his
absence. We really made a giant step forward. Russia advanced in FIFA
rankings. And at the same time I assure players that it's not our limit
and they can achieve even more success".
"Let's not predict what will happen in future. Both Arshavin and
Kerzhakov played wonderfully in Helsinki, however I don't know in which
form the candidates to the national team will come in two or three months.
They need to prove their worth for a place in the starting eleven all
the time".
"As everybody knows Ardnei Arshavin wore the captain's band during
Euro-2008 qualifying campaign. I deprived him of it after his silly red
card in Andorra".
"I think now it's time for him to get back the armlet back. He is
a real captain, he always gives 100% on the pitch and what is also important
can speak English. I would like young Russian players to begin studying
foreign languages already now, as it will help them in their career".
"Next time the national team will gather to prepare for the friendly
match against Argentina, which will take place in Moscow on August 12.
I was very happy when the Russian Football Union managed to organize this
meeting, because it's very interesting and challenging to play against
one of the world's strongest national teams".
"Argentina represents Latin America, which football school differs
from European style. Taking into consideration the next year's World Championship,
where I hope Russia will play, this experience will be very useful".
"I expect to see the full stands at this game. Result of this friendly
match is not very significant, but I hope we will see entertaining football
from both sides".
