It's hard to believe, but Russia can reach the final of the 2018 World Cup – Sports Mail.Ru
Sports
[ad_1]
Let's see right away – no hurray-patriotism, or, as they say now, frustration. I am not saying that we are going to break everything and reach the final. On Saturday, a fairy tale can end, this must be understood. But I look at the grid, and I see that the dream scenario is more real than ever. Much more realistic than, for example, two games back
We were preparing then for Uruguay, with two games behind us. Remained in the euphoria of leaving the group, did not look far, just cheered. Then there was a slight slap on the part of Uruguay, after which many would have accepted a decent defeat in the 1/8 finals. Well, then – the victory over Spain and the universal ecstasy.
And now, in the World Cup calendar more and more days off, teams and fans are leaving. In a nutshell, the tournament ends. And we are always here. An unusual feeling, is not it? Four games behind, fifth – Saturday and before the final – just two steps away. So close to a big goal, our country has not approached since 1970.
A week ago, when he became almost clear with whom in the playoffs, I expressed the opinion that we have a beautiful grid. 19659005] I begin to believe in a conspiracy. This, of course, sounds silly, but Russia has a magnificent play-off grid)) pic.twitter.com/758433F54E
– Dmitriy Zelenov (@ZelenovZ) June 27, 2018
Of course, I've heard a lot of interesting things in my address. Basically, the criticism boils down to the fact that if the grid is convenient for everyone, then for the Spaniards.
But I did not say that we are definitely going to beat Spain – I do not pretend to be a super-predictor. But what is the problem of calling a cat a cat? Compliments to each other must be weighed by football players and coaches. And if the net drinks clearly on one leg, what does it mean? So it happened naturally, on a sporting principle – it's good football. And our happiness is that we were there, not there.
Not where are Argentina, Belgium, France, Uruguay, Mexico, Portugal and Brazil.
And where Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Croatia, Colombia, England and Spain. The strongest of our society in all respects was Spain, but it is no longer there
No – thanks to Russia
Do you laugh?
We faced the most difficult part of an impossible mission! We overcame the irresistible. Have done a miracle. And they themselves have paved the way for a dream.
Croatia is also the highest clbad, superfootball players, a quality game. But to cross it, a miracle is no longer necessary. Even with Modric and Rakitic. Here you can win and earthly manners – known Cherchesov and his team of badysts.
The Scandinavians – Denmark and Iceland – have shown that it is possible. And do not lead to the example of Argentina defeated, we will not go from the front so famous and recklessly, the Croatians will lead the game. Here, let them open. Spain has failed.
Stipe Pletikosa in an interview with "SE" called equal chance. For Croatians – the level of the players, for us – the stage, the discipline and the status of the hosts. I think the former goalkeeper always poskromnichal, his team – the favorite. But not explicit
Imagine it's a qualifying phase match, Russia is Croatia. We can easily be in the same group. And everyone would wait for the fight for first place! If you played in Zagreb, there is not much luck. But do not lose at home – why not? The magnificent Croatia in 2006 and 2007 has not managed to defeat the Hiddink team still very rude
So everything is possible!
The exit of the semifinals – and it's still the greatest achievement of the history of Russian football – in one step. For the first time since 1970, we are so close! For the first time since 1966, we can compete for prizes. Just think on the scale. And what different times. Without exaggeration, this generation has a unique chance. The next may appear in the near future – in 2070, for example. Therefore – forward!
To become legends anyway, turn history – players can do here and now. Very in Russian, irrational, without logic – after all, we were not even sure that they would leave the group. But they came out! And beat the Spaniards.
And whoever is afraid of the evil eye and other things, does not read further.
Because further we look at the grid and see a wonderful pair Sweden-England. We know both of them. You can play, win, too. I am sure our team is now in the state of mind absolutely hungry, when every next game is more interesting than the previous one. This is sport. And what a splendid sign would be Russia – England in Luzhniki!
Guys, you all understand. Take this chance!
Dmitry ZELENOV.
