With a strong pedigree both at international and club levels, Russian national team manager Guus Hiddink has every intention of guiding Russia to the European Championship next summer. Taking both Holland and then South Korea to the semi-finals of the World Cup before leading Australia into the last 16, Hiddink finds himself continually named as the front-runner to take charge at Chelsea.
At the Euro 2008 qualifiers Russia seems to be a little wary as it goes on to play England in the next match, wherein the outcome between the two teams will decide further qualifications.
England comprehensively beat Israel 3-0 in their previous match to move one point behind Russia. Croatia still leads the Group E table. England won the game despite missing key players in the form of the injured Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves, Frank Lampard and suspended Peter Crouch.
Hiddink, the leading candidate to take over from Sven-Goran Eriksson after the 2006 World Cup cites England challenging and said:
They clearly dominated, England did a very good job against Israel, who I know have potential. Although Russia have a narrow advantage in the group, his team will not play for a draw at Wembley. I always like to play a game to win.
Russia moved up into second slot with a 3-0 victory over Macedonia, despite having their goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov being sent off. Russia can still boast of some good quality players and under Hiddink it’s probably a force to be reckoned with.
Via: BBC
