Key players for Group H soccer contenders Russia at the 2002 World Cup:
ALEXANDER MOSTOVOI
Position: Midfielder
Age: 33
Club: Celta Vigo (Spa)
A classy midfielder, Mostovoi is considered to be the most creative player in the Russian squad. Accurate free kicks and corners have become a hallmark of his playing style. A popular figure as captain of his club in Spain, Celta Vigo's fans even raised money to build a monument in honour of him. Was discovered by Russian manager Oleg Romantsev when he was coaching a third division Moscow-based side. After Romantsev joined Spartak Moscow he invited the midfielder to join. Won a Soviet league title with Spartak in 1989, and moved to Portuguese champions Benfica following the collapse of the Berlin Wall. An unhappy spell in Lisbon was followed by stints in France with Cannes and Strasbourg before he settled at Celta.
Captain of Russian champions Spartak Moscow, Titov is an integral part of his country's midfield alongside Alexander Mostovoi, Valery Karpin, Dmitry Khohlov and Dmitry Alenichev. Titov enjoys a fine understanding with Mostovoi, both players combining to share the creative responsibilities. A firm favourite at Spartak, where he has won five league championships, he has also been twice named Russia's Player of the Year. Has been repeatedly criticised for an apparent unwillingness to do his share of defending.
The rising star of Russian football, Izmailov heads a new generation of players slowly making a name for themselves in the country's squad. Immediately established himself as an integral member of Lokomotiv's starting line-up last season, where his form earned him young player of the year nod. Made his debut for Russia last year and has won six caps despite extremely tough competition for places in Romantsev's midfield. Though only 19, he has already caught the eye of several western European sides with his creative play and consistent form
Goalkeeper who got the nod ahead of rival stands by Russian coach
- Russian goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin has jumped to the defence of under-fire coach Oleg Romantsev following the side's poor run of results. Russia came fourth out of four teams in the LG Cup, losing both their games against Belarus and Yugoslavia on penalties.
In addition, they have lost in recent friendlies to the Republic of Ireland and Estonia. However, Nigmatullin has played down the significance of the World Cup warm-up games, insisting Russia would produce the right results when the competition begins.
He said, "We haven't won in the last five games, but all these friendlies are nothing compared with World Cup games. We are very hopeful and expect to do well. Although one can judge us, only after the World Cup is over. We will see how it goes. We are very strong emotionally. We also have many experienced players, who have been playing for Russia for a long time."
Nigmatullin goes into the tournament not having played for club side Verona for the last six months following his move from Lokomotiv Moscow. Nonetheless, the keeper insists his lack of regular first-team action has not affected his form and he is keen to repay the faith shown in him by Romantsev.
He added, "It is important for every player, regardless of his performances for his club side, if the manager trusts him. I grew as a player at Verona although I never made it to the starting XI. All the training sessions were highly productive. Don't forget, the Italian football method is the best in the world."