Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov says his plan to park the bus worked perfectly as the hosts eliminiated Spain in the World Cup’s round of 16.
Russia will now face Croatia in the quarter-finals after stunning the Spanish in Moscow yesterday. Cherchesov employed a 5-3-2 against Spain, playing completely on the counter and giving up possession. His players worked tirelessly to close space down and block shot after shot, frustrating their opponents.
Cherchesov, who was only appointed coach in August 2016, was aided by inspirational captain and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. The keeper kept Spain at bay and made two terrific saves in the penalty shootout. On paper, the Europeans were heavily superior, with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Diego Costa, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique in their squad, but a resilient Russia made it through.
“I really had to persuade [my players] that this was the only way out,” Cherchesov said.
“We don’t like this kind of structure but this is what we had to do with three defenders. Thank God my footballers understood what I was telling them. They trusted me.
“I spoke with every player individually more than I had in the past and I had to explain to them why, where, what, and it has worked out as you see. I believe that my players have been victorious because they have adhered to my strategy.
“It has never been this way that so many favourites lose and go out. This is football. What can you say?”
Now Russia has booked its place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time last eight for the first time since they competed as the Soviet Union in 1970. They will face Croatia in Sochi on July 7 in the quarter-finals.
It is a remarkable result considering no one gave Russia a chance before the World Cup began. The hosts were ranked a lowly 70th in the world and had lost friendies with Brazil, France and Austria this year heading into the tournament. They struggled at the Confederations Cup last year, held on Russian soil, with only a 2-0 victory over minnows New Zealand to go with defeats to Portugal and Mexico.
But, buoyed by strong local support, Russia has beaten the odds and surprised many by reaching the last eight. The victory yesterday sparked wild scenes of celebration in Moscow. Russia’s coach is already planning for the Croatia game.
“My emotions are simple,” Cherchesov said.
“You show your emotions in how you direct the team. Now it’s over and I’m thinking only about the next game.”
