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An underwhelming season at the Emirates saw Arshavin shipped off on-loan to Zenit in February. He had some good moments at Arsenal before leaving though, scoring the only goal of the game against Swansea, and assisting Thierry Henry’s winner against Sunderland.
While out on loan to Zenit, Arshavin won the Russian league, and was a key part of them achieving that success. Arshavin was instrumental in Russia’s Euro 2008 campaign, that saw them as semi-finalists. He’ll be hoping to recapture the way he played then, and take Russia one step further, to the final!
One to Watch: Alan Dzagoev
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21 years old CSKA Moscow star in attacking midfield? This is a lad to look out for this summer. Having played in Russia’s Premier division for 3 seasons, and in the Champions League, the man is no stranger to pressure. Despite a recent toe injury, Dzagoev is expected to be fit and raring to go.
He was quoted in a recent interview saying, “I want success, we couldn’t get the title this season with CSKA, I want to win with Russia.” If he can pick up his best form, he could have the same inspiration Arshavin had from Euro 2008.
Manager: Dick Advocaat
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Took over from successful manager Guus Hiddink in 2010, and began his reign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Slovakia. But since that atrocity, Advocaat’s Russia have been unbeaten. He is a UEFA Cup winner with Zenit in 2008 and a former manager of Rangers and Holland.
The team plays attacking fluid football, which when cut loose, looks like the spirit of 2008, something that Advocaat has supported. Advocaat seems to have found the winning tactics as Euro 2012 looms.How Russia qualified for Euro 2012
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Russia started their Euro 2012 qualifiers with a strong 2-0 away win against Andorra. Shortly after this result, Hiddink left to join Turkey. Replaced by Dick Advocaat, it saw them loose to Slovakia.
After that result, they managed to stay unbeaten, winning 6 and drawing 2 in their 8 qualifying games, in a strong group that consisted of Republic Of Ireland and Slovakia. Russia won their group.
Written by Cain O’BennettFollow me on Twitter @CainTalksFootyCheck out his wonderful blog, Euro 2012 BloggerPlease like O-Posts on FacebookFollow the site on Twitter
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