Jonathan Wilson: Euro 2012 Preview: Russia

[Jonathan Wilson]

Russia hoped its impressive showing at Euro 2008, when it produced majestic performances against Sweden and the Netherlands in reaching the semifinals, would end the cycle of underachievement and herald its arrival as a major player in the international game. It failed to qualify for the World Cup two years later, though, losing in a playoff to Slovenia, which prompted the departure of manager Guus Hiddink. He was replaced by fellow Dutchman **** Advocaat, who has stuck largely to the same core of players -- which has led to accusations that he is biased toward the Zenit St Petersburg he led to the UEFA Cup in 2008.

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