Russia team are motivated, not doped, says boss

Russia’s impressive running statistics at the World Cup are based on hard work and motivation, not doping, national team coach Stanislav Cherchesov has insisted.

The 54-year-old was speaking to reporters before today’s Group A decider against Uruguay in Samara, with both teams already certain of knockout football after beating Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Russia came into the tournament on a terrible run of form and with a Fifa ranking of 70th — the lowest ever for a host nation at a World Cup — but eight goals in two games have seen Cherchesov’s men stroll into the last 16.