Former Russia forward, Valery Kechinov told Sputnik on Thursday that Russia were able to reach the knockout stage at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, although Uruguay were the favorites in their Group A.
“We have perfect chances to reach the knockout stage, but…. the [Russian] players must perform… like they did in their best matches. The Uruguayan national team that includes very skillful players stands out [in Group A]. But Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the teams Russia can get the better of. If the guys perform at their best level… we can reach the knockout stage,” Kechinov said.
He added that he had watched Saudi Arabia lose to Italy and Germany in their recent friendlies, as well as Egypt’s 3-0 defeat by Belgium earlier in June.
“Our [opening match] rivals’ [Saudi Arabia] performance didn’t seem convincing. Neither did Egypt impress me, especially when they were without [Liverpool striker] Salah… They rely on defense, counterattacks, set pieces and luck,” Kechinov added.
The World Cup will get underway later today, with the final set to be played on July 15. The matches will take place at 12 stadiums across 11 cities.
The host nation will face Saudi Arabia at Moscow’s 81,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium in the World Cup opening game, before taking on Egypt and Uruguay in their other two Group A matches.
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