Since October they didn’t manage to win a single match. Russia had to face with big injuries of main centre-backs Vasin and Dzhikiya, and since then they have found it difficult to find appropriate replacaments.

EEven Ingashevich had to come out of retirement so they could have more numbers to choose from and fill up the defensive line.

1. They have switched between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 formation, but in last 2 matches against they lined up in 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1.
   It is expected that they switch between formations during the match, as they are able to play both with 3 and 4 at the back.

2. Compared to previous competitions Russia has very good attacking potential, with central midfield trio Kuzyaev-Golovin-Zobnin as core of the team. They provide creativity throughout all phases of offensive organization, and are able to make runs into the box from deep and provide support for Smolov. Miranchuk brothers offer a lot from the bench and can change the course of the match.

But, defensively central midfield area of Russia had real problems to prevent penetration through the middle. They lack intensity and are rather passive when defending. Due to lack of pace at the back, the space behind the defensive line is quite vulnerable and opponents may look to exploit this.