Russia Are Favourites To Qualify For Euro 2012, But It
Won't Be Easy - Guus Hiddink
Russia coach Hiddink is wary of the strength
of Ireland and Slovakia...
By Stefan Coerts
Guus Hiddink - Russia (Getty Images)
Russia will have to beat off the competition of Republic
of Ireland, Slovakia, FYR Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra if they are to
qualify for Euro 2012 and head coach Guus Hiddink has acknowledged that
it won't be easy for the Russians.
"We were in Pot 1 so we're supposed to be favourites, but look at
what the Republic of Ireland did in the qualifying campaign for the World
Cup. Slovakia also put in a very good performance," said Hiddink
on uefa.com.
"So, OK, we're favourites, but it's not always easy. I'm satisfied
with the draw. We have a good group and it will be a competitive battle.
Of course, we have no other goal than to finish first.
"I hope we'll succeed, although we have to take into account the
major progress Ireland and Slovakia have made in recent years. My eyes
aren't closed to the fact we recently failed to qualify for the World
Cup, which means we can't say we are automatic favourites to win this
group."
