Russia squad penpix for Euro 2008:
Igor Akinfeyev (CSKA Moscow). Goalkeeper. Born 8.4.86. Caps 18. Goals 0.
Returned as Russia's number one keeper having missed most of last year after tearing knee ligaments in May 2007. Made the Euro 2004 squad but did not play in Portugal, where Russia became the first team to be eliminated. Made his Russian premier league debut at 17 in May 2003, saving a penalty.
Vladimir Gabulov (Amkar Perm). Goalkeeper. Born 19.10.83. Caps 4. Goals 0.
Deputised for Akinfeyev during the second part of Russia's qualifying campaign, playing in a key 2-1 win over England in Moscow last October that helped them reach the finals. Quick and agile, Gabulov is solid both in goal and coming off his line.
Vyacheslav Malafeyev (Zenit St Petersburg). Goalkeeper. Born 4.3.79. Caps 15. Goals 0.
Made his Russia debut against Wales in the second leg of the Euro 2004 playoff in Cardiff in Nov. 2003 when he stepped in for the suspended Sergei Ovchinnikov and kept a clean sheet.
Solid if unspectacular, the experienced Malafeyev has regained the number one role at club level this year, helping Zenit to win the UEFA Cup. Played at Euro 2004.
Alexei Berezutsky (CSKA Moscow). Defender. Born 20.6.82. Caps 28. Goals 0.
A tall, powerful left back who relies more on his strength rather than skill.
Vasily Berezutsky (CSKA Moscow). Defender. Born 20.6.82. Caps 24. Goals 1.
Like his twin brother Alexei, he is strong in the air and likes to get forward for set pieces.
Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow). Defender. Born 14.7.79. Caps 33. Goals 3.
Hard-nosed central defender with a powerful shot. Not as dependable as in the past, but his position in the squad looks secure. A member of the Euro 2004 squad, but did not play.
Denis Kolodin (Dynamo Moscow). Defender. Born 11.1.82. Caps 10. Goals 0.
Like Sergei Ignashevich, a rugged central defender with a thunderous shot. Often scores from long-range free kicks and likes to take penalties.
Alexander Anyukov (Zenit St Petersburg). Defender. Born 28.9.82. Caps 28. Goals 1.
Speedy right fullback with a good shot, he can also play in midfield. Good one-on-one marker.
Renat Yanbayev (Lokomotiv Moscow). Defender. Born 7.4.84. Caps 1.
Newcomer to the national team. Became a surpise late addition to a provisional 25-man squad and has only an outside chance of making the final selection for Euro 2008.
Dmitry Torbinsky (Lokomotiv Moscow). Midfielder. Born 28.4.84. Caps 6. Goals 0.
One of Russia coach Guus Hiddink's favourite players, the gifted playmaker has made a swift transition from the fringes to being a key figure. However, often gets into trouble because of a short temper.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Lokomotiv Moscow). Midfielder. Born 27.2.85. Caps 18. Goals 0.
Another very skilful midfielder, he became Lokomotiv captain this season at 23 and has caught the attention of several top European clubs. Lacks stamina though to last a full 90 minutes.
Vladimir Bystrov (Spartak Moscow). Midfielder. Born 31.1.84. Caps 17. Goals 2.
A lightning-pace right winger, he does justice to his surname (Bystro meaning 'quick' in Russian). Only weakness is being injury-prone. Played at Euro 2004.
Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow). Midfielder. Born 20.8.83. Caps 15. Goals 0.
A tireless left winger, good at both ends of the pitch. Soon established himself as one of Russia's important players after making his debut in a friendly against Italy in Feb. 2005.
Konstantin Zyryanov (Zenit St Petersburg). Midfielder. Born 5.10.77. Caps 8. Goals 0.
Another late bloomer, he became a regular in the national side soon after joining Zenit from struggling Torpedo Moscow last year. Was voted Russia's Player of the Year for 2007 and scored Zenit's second goal in their UEFA Cup final win over Rangers.
Roman Shirokov (Zenit St Petersburg). Midfielder. Born 6.7.81. Caps 2. Goals 0.
Has developed into an all-round player this season after joining champions Zenit from rivals FK Khimki. Impressed coach Guus Hiddink this year and made his Russia debut in a friendly against Romania in March.
Igor Semshov (Dynamo Moscow). Midfielder. Born 6.4.78. Caps 23. Goals 0.
Diminutive but skilful, he can play in most positions in midfield. Played at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.
Sergei Semak (Rubin Kazan). Midfielder. Born 27.2.76. Caps 44. Goals 4.
At 32, the diminutive playmaker is the oldest player in the provisional squad and was a surpise addition, having been called up by Guus Hiddink for the first time in more than two years. Ukraine-born, he made his Russia debut in a World Cup playoff against Italy in Nov. 1997. Made Russia squads at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 but did not play in either tournament.
Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg). Forward. Born 29.5.81. Caps 31. Goals 10.
Small, talented playmaker who is widely considered the country's best player and is likely to move abroad after Euro 2008. Will miss the first two group games against Spain and Greece after being sent off for dangerous play in their final qualifier against Andorra last November. Skipper at the time, was stripped of the captaincy after the incident.
Dmitry Sychev (Lokomotiv Moscow). Forward. Born 26.10.83. Caps 36. Goals 14.
Became Russia's youngest World Cup player against Tunisia in 2002, at 18 years and 222 days. Also the youngest Russian to score a World Cup goal when he netted against Belgium. Played at Euro 2004, but has struggled for form this season.
Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow). Forward. Born 15.12.81. Caps 13. Goals 5.
Hailed as Russia's saviour after scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over England in a crucial qualifier last October that paved the way for his team's passage to the finals.
Called a "sleeping giant" by coach Guus Hiddink due to his disappointing club season, he was dropped to Spartak's reserves after being red-carded for dissent in a 4-3 defeat by city rivals Dynamo in April.
Pavel Pogrebnyak (Zenit St Petersburg). Forward. Born 8.11.83. Caps 7. Goals 3.
A breakthrough year for him, helping Zenit in their successful UEFA Cup campaign with 10 goals to become the competition's joint top scorer. Missed the final after a late booking in the semi-final, second leg against Bayern Munich.
Roman Adamov (FK Moscow). Forward. Born 21.6.82. Caps 1. Goals 0.
A powerfully-built striker who earned a surprise call-up to the provisional squad and has only an outside chance of making the cut for Euro 2008. Made his full Russia debut in a friendly against Romania in March.
Ivan Saenko (Nuremberg). Forward. Born 17.10.83. Caps 6. Goals 0.
The stocky winger is the only one who plays outside Russia and has impressed Hiddink with his work ethic.
(Compiled by Gennady Fyodorov; editing by Trevor Huggins)
© 2024 Rediff.com -