Thursday Sep 29 2005 11:05
Several members of the Russian squad for Euro 2004 have admitted that injury problems have hindered their chances of success in Portugal.
Central defenders Viktor Onopko and Sergei Ignashevich have been forced out of the tournament by injuries, leaving boss Georgi Yartsev to cope without two of his most consistent performers.
Veteran midfielder Alexander Mostovoi admitted: "We should take a sober view of things.
"It will be extremely difficult for us to get out of the group stage with two of Europe's finest teams - Spain and Portugal - up against us. We can say what we like, but these two teams are stronger than us.
"When Viktor was leaving the team camp because of his injury it was clear that he took it hard, he looked awful. I felt the same. We were the national team's most experienced players.
"He was the only one who had played with me during Soviet times. However, it has happened and we cannot do anything about it."
Yartsev's number two, Alexander Borodyuk, added: "Losing two key defenders is a problem for any side, but this is a chance for young and less experienced players to come in and show they can play."
Midfielder Dmitri Loskov, who has overcome injury to return to the frame, added: "It is a pity the lads are sidelined, but they are not the only two players who can play football in Russia.
"We need to get a good result against Spain, we are very motivated and will not be daunted by the losses."
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