Russia look to the past for inspiration
Tuesday, 8 June 2004 12:54Russia are looking to the great Soviet teams of the 1970s and 1980s for inspiration to produce their best performance at the European Championships since the end of the Cold War. The Russians won the inaugural tournament in 1960 and were runners-up in 1964, 1972 and 1988, but have had lean times since the collapse of communism.
But Football Union of Russia president Viacheslav Koloskov is optimistic that the squad's blend of youth and experience will do the country proud in Portugal.
He said: "Our young players not only want to repeat but also to improve on the results of their famous predecessors from the great generation of Soviet teams. We have two tasks, the first is to qualify for the quarter-finals and the second is to win the championship. At least, we intend to be among top teams at Euro-2004."
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
