Pressure to lift after Azerbaijan test: Berezutsky

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – MARCH 03: Vasili Berezutski (L) of PFC CSKA Moscow battles for the ball with Andrey Arshavin of FC Zenit St. Petersburg during the Russian Football League Championship match between PFC CSKA Moscow and FC Zenit St. Petersburg at the Luzhniki Stadium on March 03, 2012 in Moscow, Russia.

Moscow, Oct 15 – The pressure on the Russian football team as a result of their perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign is sure to ease after Tuesday’s match against Azerbaijan, defender Vasily Berezutsky feels.

Fabio Capello’s men beat Portugal 1-0 Friday to maintain their 100 percent record after wins against Northern Ireland and Israel last month.

With Russia top of Group F and now solid favourites to qualify for Brazil 2014, the team is suddenly feeling the burden of expectation after their Euro 2012 flop, said Berezutsky Sunday.

“This pressure will finish after the game against Azerbaijan,” the CSKA Moscow defender said.

Berezutsky, who has played every minute of the campaign so far, acknowledged that beating Azerbaijan is all but a formality, adding the team should have an easier ride than the 4-0 win in Israel last month.

“Azerbaijan are a bit weaker than Israel, but this team is growing even though they don’t tend to make the finals of the Euro or the World Cup,” said the 30-year-old defender, who has 65 caps and two goals for his country.

Azerbaijan lost their opener 3-0 in Portugal but managed a creditable 1-1 home draw with Israel. They are currently fifth in Group F but have a game in hand over the top three.