Russia look for improvement

Russia coach Dick Advocaat insists his side have plenty of work to do despite thrashing Italy 3-0 last week.

The Russians sounded out a warning to maiden opponents Czech Republic with a comprehensive defeat of Italy in Zurich, with Aleksandr Kerzhakov opening the scoring on the hour-mark before Roman Shirokov netted a late double.

The manner of the victory has led many pundits to install as Advocaat’s team as dark horses for Euro 2012, but the Dutchman is ignoring the pre-tournament hype surrounding his team ahead of their Group A opener.

“The result against the Italians gives us great confidence,” the former Netherlands coach told Sky Sports.

“These friendlies are very important.

“That game (against Italy) showed that we are on the right track. But I also think we have to be a lot better defensively.”

Advocaat said he knew what his starting line-up would be for Friday’s meeting with the Czechs in Wroclaw.

“We still have a few days to go and anything can still happen,” he said.

“Of course, I have prepared the side in my head for the most part, but I will not be saying anything about it.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/russia-look-for-improvement/95881/

Rosicky fit for Euro 2012

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has revealed Tomas Rosicky will start the team’s opening match of Euro 2012 against Russia on Friday.

The creative midfielder had missed both of his side’s warm-up games against Israel and Hungary after sustaining a calf injury in Arsenal’s last English Premier League match of the season against West Brom.

Despite a replacement being called up as a precaution, he has now been declared fit for Euro 2012.

“Rosicky will play in the opening match,” Bilek told reporters. “He showed his qualities even during training.

“When he gets the ball, he is able to find space for a clever pass. He is decisive with the ball.

“Today showed how much he is looking forward to playing. I believe that he will boost the quality of our line-up.”

Czech Republic will also face Greece and co-hosts Poland in Group A.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/rosicky-fit-for-euro-2012/95879/

International friendly wrap: Russia held by Lithuania

Russia have just one match to find winning form for Euro 2012 after being held to a 0-0 draw against Lithuania.

Up against the 89th team in the FIFA rankings, Russia struggled to find any rythym on Tuesday, creating very few goal-scoring opportunities at the Centre sportif de Colvoray in Nyon, Switzerland.

The likes of Andrei Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Yuri Zhirkov all took part for Dick Advocaat’s side.

With nine days until their first match of Euro 2012 against Czech Republic and just four days after a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in Moscow, Russia have only a friendly against Italy to find some winning form before the continental championship starts next week.

In other matches, Angola drew 0-0 with Macedonia, while Turkey defeated Bulgaria 2-0.

Omer Toprak gave Turkey the lead in the 22nd minute when he was first to a corner from Nuri Sahin and poked the ball home at the near post.

Turkey had to wait until the final minute to double their lead when Burak Yilmaz was released behind the Bulgarian defence and coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Plamen Iliev.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendly-wrap-russia-held-by-lithuania/95481/

Russia held by Lithuania World Soccer Shop

Dick Advocaat may be feeling less optimistic about Russia's preparations for Euro 2012 after seeing his team held to a 0-0 draw by Lithuania.

Izmailov: Cut a frustrated figure

Advocaat was greatly encouraged by a weekend draw with Uruguay but they were far less impressive tonight with Lithuania striking the crossbar early on and keeping Igor Akinfeev much the busier goalkeeper on the night.

Saulius Mikoliunas hit the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the area in the second minute, while Russia's best chance was a powerful long-range effort from Roman Pavlyuchenko which stung the palms of Ernestas Setkus just before half-time.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17402/russia_held_by_lithuania

Puyol pledges loyalty to Barca

Carles Puyol is not interested in leaving Barcelona despite receiving lucrative offers from The United Arab Emirates and Russia.

Anzhi Makhachkala were one of the clubs believed to have offered Puyol a contract, having already managed to land Samuel Eto’o last summer.

The Barcelona captain has only ever played for the Catalan giants and wants to see out the rest of his career at the club.

The centre-back recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will require six weeks to recover.

Puyol will miss Euro 2012 due to his physical problems, but he has stressed more than once that he is keen to continue his playing career until he turns 40. He has a contract with Barcelona until June 2013.

The 34-year-old also said he had no intentions of retiring from international football insisting he aims to add to his 99 caps for Spain.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/puyol-pledges-loyalty-to-barca/95405/