Russia road to Russia 2018 World Cup
The host for the 2018 edition of FIFA's World Cup stands as something of a mystery card before the start of the tournament and this is reflected in Russia betting odds, with a series of powerful key players who've performed admirably for their respective leagues within Russia and elsewhere, but who've ultimately failed to deliver as a national ensemble during the friendly encounters in the last few months. Unlike their rivals, Coach Stanislav Cherchesov's team possesses the strategic advantage of their home status, however, they will need to improve their defensive line and ensure their attackers receive the sufficient support to make a lasting impact.
Cherchesov has taken a Russia team from the ashes of tragic experiences in the previous years, and now bets on a younger cast to make a different and try to move Russia ahead of the stage of 16. Two matches held against France and Brazil in March proved disastrous, by taking 3 goals from the South Americans and only managing to get the ball in the net once versus the French who took the ante by an additional two. The falling out between midfielder Igor Denisov and the former Legia Warsaw coach has put an extra strain on the squad's defense; nevertheless, Russia boasts as powerful offense: both Aleksandr Kokorin and Alan Dzagoev will add their combined scoring capabilities to the mix.
Russia Key Players
Preparation woes aside, Russia appears to be building a line up worthy of the challenge. Cherchesov has upgraded his defense with newcomers Georgi Dzhikiya from the Spartak Moscow, Rubin Kazan's own Fedor Kudryashov and Konstantin Rausch, who made a move from the German U-21 field to support his team. Although Kokorin and Smolov's record in international encounters has left lots to be desired, they might use their combined talents to provide Russia with a robust striking edge. Forward Andrei Arshavin's likely loan from the FC Kairat in Kazakhstan is another good reason to expect good things from the hosting nation.
Russia is widely expected to make it past the Round of 16, that is, if they're able to pull their pieces together in time before Salah's Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Their showdown with South American power house Uruguay on the 25th of June remains the toughest match in their early calendar, having to face stalwarts of the likes of Luis Suarez and Federico Valverde. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has had his share of mistakes in recent history, but he can still be relied on to provide his team the ultimately goal shield. Russia is a definite wild card of World Cup betting odds, with figures that range between 40 and 50 to 1 for the outright win.
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