EURO 2008 INFO

If Russia is proving to be one of the main outsiders for the next Championship Europe of Nations, it is largely thanks to the beautiful individuals that its holds. Goal.com presents the main framework of this promising selection.

The star of the team: Andrei Arshavin
In line with the greatest goalscorers Soviet such as Belanov, or Zavarov Blokhin, Andrei Arshavine is unquestionably one of the best strikers of his generation. Member of Team Zenith St Petersburg, just to afford the the Uefa Cup, a native of Leningrad, whose physique is far from being beneficial, has been able to assert its strengths, namely a technique carved and a sense of purpose above the average for itself at the highest level. His versatility-he can evolve as a forward edge, winger or middle-offensive He was also very profitable throughout his career in pro, it began in 2000 at age 19. Skilful dribbleur and with remarkable speed, Arshavine illuminated by his talent the 1999 edition of the Russian championship, to be elected at the end of the year as the best player in the country. His debut in national selection, he made on May 17, 2002. Today, he has to his 33 caps and 10 achievements. In March 2007, during a match against Estonia, he was entrusted by Guus Hiddink, the cuff of captain. Arshavine, whose talent is further proof, unfortunately, also has the distinction of having a character sometimes execrable. In November, his deportation to face Andorra, was fraught with consequences, since it was then imposed a suspended two games by Uefa. During the final phase of the Euro, he missed the first two matches of Russia, facing Spain and Greece.

Malafeev, insurance any risk
A great team is not without great goalkeeper. The expression is well known. In this respect, the Russian selection is not among the exceptions. Indeed, in the person of Vyacheslav Malafeev, Guus Hiddink has a doorman at a very high level. Barely 29 years, the last bulwark of Zenith St Petersburg has a good experience, with a total of 169 appearances in the national championship. Moreover, he kept the cages of Russia, during his last participation in a Championship of Europe. In 2004, Portugal, it was launched in the bath to replace Sergey Ovtchinnikov, expelled in the last match of the tournament. He took the opportunity to give a boost to his international career. During the preliminary campaign for the World Cup 2010, Malafeev was the indisputable position of No. 1, but on the occasion of qualifications for Euro 2008 he had, from time to time, leaving his place to other guards, such as Igor Akinfeev and Vladimir Gabulov. Nevertheless, during the summer tournament, it is likely that Hiddink would again call for his services. The Dutch technician knows better than anyone that a good trail at a major competition can not be done without a real guarantee of security behind. Malafeev the symbol.

Vasili and Aleksei Berezoutski, the twin towers
In the history of football, it is hard to remember a high-level team has within it two twins, strong and talented, and within the same sector Thursday The CSKA Moscow, and even more so, Russia, for their part, have pride and would proudly. Vasili and Alesksey Berezutski are, indeed, the two jewels of this selection. Respectively rear side and rear central, they have every two, good defensive foundation and also penchants for attack. Thus, when the need arises, they do not hesitate to set up and lend a hand to the offensive elements. Hiddink can also happen to more of their services. Proof of this is with the cumulative total of 55 caps that totaled both twins within his team. This summer, it would be interesting to track the performance of this duo. But by then, he must already learn to discern. One thing that is anything but easy, given that they are alike as two drops of water.

Semak, returning
After a long absence of two years, Sergey Semak was offered the opportunity to participate in his third international tournament. Barely 32 years, he has to find a second youth in the club Rubin (L1 Russian) and in anticipation of the Euro, Hiddink has found it useful to recall. Throughout his stay in Russia, the Dutch coach has never convened, but he continually observed. Semak is well known on the side of France. Former player Paris Saint-Germain, he is one of two elements of its selection, accompanied by Sytchev, have evolved a day in France. However, this is not the PSG that has built its reputation, but at CSKA Moscow. Between 1994 and 2004, he was the great artisan of the return of the army club at the forefront of national football, with the culmination of its renaissance of the Uefa Cup, won in 2004. Between 2006 and 2008, Semak has played on behalf of FK Moscow. He took the opportunity to establish some records, as one who was to exceed the symbolic threshold of 100 achievements in the Russian championship.

Sytchev, the little genius
The Velodrome faithful certainly remember him. A small blondinet come North in 2002 to make the beautiful days of the OM and try to succeed where none of his compatriots had hitherto managed to prevail. Aged then eighteen years, Sytchev, nicknamed the Russian Michael Owen, believed then give a great impetus to his football career but by dint of leapfrogging, he also burned the wings, being forced to do its return his country, specifically to Lokomotiv Moscow. Educated at Smena, the training centre of St Petersburg which has seen many prodigies hatch, Sytchev was soon to leave more beautiful. For his first match with Lokomotiv, it s'illustra by signing a doubled. Hiddink, who has never hesitated to trust the young, do not remained indifferent to the talent of the former phocéen, making him one of its key executives. International since 2002, Sytchev has rarely disappointed in the jersey of his selection. Last November, it was he who propulsa his own in Euro 2008, by signing the goal of victory in Andorra (1-0). This summer he will play, like Semak, his third international tournament. A 24-year, it impresses.