Russia have exceeded expectations at this World Cup by reaching the round of 16. Can this team go on a deep run before their home fans?
Russia may have lost to their first good opponent at this World Cup, losing 3-0 to Uruguay in the baking Samara sun on Monday, but after defying expectations in their first two games, to the tune of two wins and eight goals, there will be at least one bigger test to come for the hosts.
Russia didn’t play particularly well against Uruguay, but given the circumstances — Stanislav Cherchesov rested some players, and Igor Smolnikov was sent off in the first half, with his side already 2-0 down — it shouldn’t be too hard to put this behind them.
The question now, for a team that have already defied expectations, is how far they can go. They will, barring an unlikely win for Iran against Portugal, combined with Spain dropping points against Iran, be big underdogs in the round of 16.
But history tells us home teams go far at the World Cup. At the 1994 World Cup, the United States reached the knockout stage after a spectacular group stage that included a shock win against Colombia, before narrowly losing to Brazil in the round of 16.
Russia may see more similarities between themselves and South Korea in 2002. The team, coached by Dutchman Guus Hiddink, finished fourth overall, recording some unlikely (and highly controversial) wins against Italy and Spain along the way.
This is no golden generation of Russian talent, but they have a few players that may be talked about during this summer’s transfer window. Denis Cheryshev has impressed, while Aleksandr Golovin looks like a star in the making.
Russian fans will also recall a memorable run at Euro 2008 that ended with a defeat to Spain in the semifinals. No one expected that team to get out of the first round at the time. History could repeat itself (almost) should Russia play Spain in the round of 16.
Russian need to take inspiration from their recent past, and that of other home teams at the World Cup, in order to put together the ingredients needed to go on a deep run. At a tournament that has already seen its fair share of upsets, it’s not out of the question for Russia to go far.
World Cups are more fun when the home team reaches the knockout stage. Russia have already done that. Now let’s see how far they can go. One look at the history books and the Russians, despite it all, have reason to be optimistic.
