No complacency from Hiddink as Russia face Slovenian underdogs

RUSSIA and Slovenia are both at full strength ahead of today’s World Cup qualifying play-off first leg in Moscow.

Expectation has been mounting in Russia since the draw was made on October 19, with Slovenia viewed by many observers as the most favourable of the potential opponents.

Russia are 37 places above Slovenia in the current FIFA rankings and are favourites to progress.

But one man definitely not getting carried away is national team coach Guus Hiddink.

“I’m often asked which of the potential opponents I would have preferred and I often hear the opinion that Slovenia was the best possible outcome,” Hiddink said.

“But we are in no position to expect an easy ride.

“I can only say one thing; there is no hint of us underestimating the Slovenians. We all know it will not be an easy game. The stakes are too high.’’

How Slovenia deal with the speed of Russia’s wide players and, in particular, the skill of in-form playmaker Andrei Arshavin, will be crucial if Matjaz Kek’s side are to come away with any kind of advantage to take into the second leg in Maribor on Wednesday.

Kek admits his side are underdogs but asking his players to target specific individuals has never been his style.

“I don’t want to speak of individuals. Russia’s strength lies in their ability to play as a team,’’ said the 48-year-old.

“There is no sense in picking out individual players such as Arshavin. Russia have too many capable players for that.

“I have never instructed my players to personally focus on one particular opposition player and I’m not going to start now.”