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Assistant coach Mikhail Gershkovich believes Russia are still in a great position to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup despite the disappointing 1-0 defeat to co- hosts Japan.

The Russians looked second best for large parts of yesterday's match, yet still had some good chances to earn a point.

But they still lie in second place with three points, two ahead of Belgium and Tunisia, who shared the points in a 1-1 draw today.

That means victory over the Belgians in their last game will see them through, unless Tunisia win their match against Japan by three more goals.

With that situation highly unlikely, the loser from the Group H match up between Russia and Belgium is likely to be on the plane home.

Gershkovich said: "You are never happy with a loss but the only consolation is that the tournament is still alive for us.

"We have a game against Belgium and what is good for us is that it is in our own hands. If we win against Belgium, we go through."