Mostovia - all set for Japan clash. (Allsport)
MOSTOVOI AND SMERTIN RUSSIAN BACK
Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Russia team section
Click here for teams index
Click here for latest World Cup headlines
Click here for World Cup photo gallery
Click here for World Cup Bettingzone
Alexandr Mostovoi and Alexei Smertin are
expected to return to the Russia team for Sunday's Group H clash against
co-hosts Japan in Yokohama.
Coach Oleg Romantsev continued his closed door policy toward the press at
their World Cup training facility outside Tokyo.
But the Celta Vigo veteran and the Bordeaux midfielder should return to the
starting 11 after missing the 2-0 win over Tunisia through injury.
Romantsev said neither player is fully fit but indicated he will play them.
"I'm not quite sure yet if they can play for the full time, but they are very
experienced players but having them on the pitch can positively influence our
team," Romantsev told the Japan Times.
"Japan have speed and are alert and agile. We cannot be satisfied with a draw
against them."
|
