Romantsev - ready to unleash Mostovoi (Allsport)
MOSTOVOI READY FOR RUSSIA ROLL
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Russia coach Oleg Romantsev is ready to unleash midfielder Alexander Mostovoi
on Belgium as his side look to clinch their place in the second round.
The Celta Vigo star missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, but
with a few days of training behind him he now looks set to play at least some
part in Friday's match in Shizuoka.
"He has no limitations now," said Romantsev. "Thursday is the third day that
he has been able to participate in training.
"Before he was training by himself, but he has got a lot better recently.
"However I don't think he will be able to play a full game. He may be
substituted in the second half but we will see later."
His return would be a welcome boost to the Russians with Group H still wide
open.
While a point will set them up in the last 16 against Brazil, victory will
give them a better chance of pipping Japan to top spot and the far easier task
of facing Turkey.
Romantsev insists his players have their eye on going through as group
winners.
"They realise if they only play for a draw, nothing will come from it," he
said.
"I trust the players' experience and I know they will play at full
strength."
At Thursday's pre-match press conference, the 48-year-old refused to discuss
Belgium, who will probably need a win to make the second round.
"Please don't ask me about the Belgians," he said. "The Belgium coach will
answer questions about his team - ask me about the Russian team."
Belgium coach Robert Waseige adapted a similar approach at his media
briefing.
"I don't want to talk too much about the strength of the Russians," he
said.
And again like Friday's opponents, they have been boosted by the return of a
player who missed the opening matches.
Left-back Nico van Kerckhoven will return and will replace Peter van der
Heyden as Belgium look to claim their first win of the tournament.
"There are some small injuries but nothing serious," said Waseige.
"On a psychological level there are no questions about the strength of my
team and they are all eager to play."
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