Russia have identified the Republic of Ireland as the team to beat in Group 10 of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign. Mick McCarthy's side, one of the top seeds in yesterday's draw for the European Championships which take place in Portugal in two years' time, were drawn with the Russians and Switzerland, Georgia and Albania.
However, Russia are pleased to have avoided Europe's top teams like France, Italy and Spain but admit that Ireland could cause them a few problems. "The strongest team among our rivals in the group is Ireland," said Spartak Moscow midfielder and Russian international Egor Titov. "I think that the Irish team can give us a lot of problems. Switzerland and Georgia may also become a stumbling-block for us," he added.
His international team-mate Vladimir Beschastnykh agreed that Ireland pose a major threat. "I am mostly anxious about the outcome of the games against Ireland, especially because of their athletic style of play," he said. However, CSKA Moscow midfielder Rolan Gusev is more confident that his country will progress easily to the finals. "Russia are a favourites of the group without a doubt. We must qualify for the final tournament," he said.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
