- Best Euros
- Winners 1960 Runner-up 1964, 1972 & 1988
- 2016 Euros
- Group stage
Russia's Euro Schedule
| Date | Fixture | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12th June 8pm | Belgium v Russia | St Petersburg |
| 16th June 2pm | Finland v Russia | St Petersburg |
| 21st June 8pm | Russia v Denmark | Copenhagen |
Road to the Euros
Russia deserve plenty of credit for their qualifying campaign because they achieved what they set out to do. Belgium were always likely to be a test too far, and that proved to be the case as they were beaten 3-1 and 4-1. Those losses aside, Russia made light work of a weak group and won their remaining eight games. The narrowest of those wins was a scrappy 1-0 victory away to Scotland, whilst their home fixture to San Marino produced a one-sided, nine-goal affair. They scored 33 goals and kept seven clean sheets as they finished a healthy nine points ahead of third placed Scotland.
Current form
Russia’s form over the past 18 months is reflective of a team that can be competitive but lack consistency. After starting their Nations League campaign with promising wins over Serbia and Hungary, they then went six games without a win, a run that included a 0-0 draw with Moldova and a 5-0 humbling against Turkey. 2021 saw them begin with a victory against Malta and that was followed up with a success against Slovenia, thanks to a brace from Artem Dzyuba. A loss to Slovakia and a draw with Poland followed, and although they beat Bulgaria 1-0 in their final warm up game, it was a very uninspiring performance that lacked in creativity, and they will need to raise their game to compete with Belgium and Denmark.
Squad assessment
Russia have transitioned from being an ageing squad in recent years to a well-balanced side with experience in the right places and some developing young talent. 34-year-old Shunin is expected to start between the posts whilst Yuri Zhirkov helps martial the backline with 37 years behind him. The experienced figure of Artem Dzyuba will lead the line with a trio of younger attacking talent behind him, including Monaco’s Aleksandr Golovin. Whilst there is a handful of players who only ply their trade in Russia’s domestic league, the majority of the starting XI at least have plenty of European experience.
Key players
Russia will need to attack and defend as a unit if they’re to spring another tournament surprise. Everyone has their role to play, but four players in particular will be tasked with extra responsibility. Roman Zobnin was a standout performer for Spartak this season and both he and Ozdoyev will need to shut down the channels and help Russia organise during long spells without possession. When they do get on the ball, Aleksandr Golovin will need to link the play and be chief creator for the big man up top, Artem Dzyuba. Chances could be few and far between in games against Belgium and Denmark so he’ll need to be clinical.
Click below to read more about each of Belgium's Group B opponents: