Source: Telegraph
Andrei Arshavin leaves Germany running scared ahead of Russia qualifier
The Germans lead Russia by a point in Group Four and will clinch a place at next year's finals with a win in Moscow while a draw would also leave them in the driving seat as they host eliminated Finland in their last match in Hamburg. [LNB]The home team need victories in both of their remaining qualifiers to assure themselves of a trip to South Africa. They travel to Baku to take on last-placed Azerbaijan on Wednesday. [LNB] Related ArticlesWarner attack hurts England's 2018 bidEngland's rivals to host 2018 World Cup finalsWatch Ukraine v England live onlineUkraine v England: ITV highlights offer rejectedThey think it's all over . . .Sport on televisionRussia captain Arshavin has scored two goals in his last two matches for Arsenal since coming back from groin and knee injuries and the Germans are well aware of his threat. [LNB]"He's a genius and has an unbelievable efficiency. We must stay wide awake and never let him get away," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. [LNB]The Russians, who have never beaten Germany or West Germany in a competitive match, including the days of the Soviet Union, will need Arshavin at his best if they are to win at the Luzhniki arena. [LNB]The stadium's artificial turf has caused problems for a number of visiting teams in the past. [LNB]Russia have not played at Luzhniki since the shock 2-1 win over England in a Euro 2008 qualifier two years ago that paved the way for their qualification at England's expense. [LNB]With second place in the group already secured, confident Russia coach Guus Hiddink feels the capacity 80,000-strong home crowd will help his team to another memorable victory. [LNB]"It would be great to see a full house again. We've already secured a playoff spot so we can take more risks in the attack," the Dutchman said. "This is the most important game of the year for us and we'll do whatever we can to get a win." [LNB]Swiss referee Massimo Busacca will also be in the spotlight after he was banned for three games for making an insulting gesture to fans at a local league match last month. [LNB]EmailPrint .at15t_email {display:none !important;}Share|tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/worldcup/6271682/Andrei-Arshavin-leaves-Germany-running-scared-ahead-of-Russia-qualifier.html';tweetmeme_style = 'compact';tweetmeme_source = 'TelegraphNews';Email|Printhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/worldcup/6271682/Andrei-Arshavin-leaves-Germany-running-scared-ahead-of-Russia-qualifier.htmlTelegraphNews World Cup
