Two future World Cup hosts will go head-to-head Tuesday night as Russia and Qatar are gearing up to meet in a friendly in Doha.
Russia’s last clash was a pretty disappointing affair. Dick Advocaat’s charges failed to secure all three points against Armenia in Euro qualifying and held to a scoreless draw in Yerevan.
Another point of concern is that Russia are winless and goalless in their last three matches.
Striker Aleksandr Kerzakov, the last man to score for Russia, is out with a broken bone in his hand.
While key midfielder Alan Dzagoev is also sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Russia’s previous friendly was a shock 1-0 loss to Iran, and coach Advocaat is cautious ahead of this one.
“We have to give not less than 100 per cent to get a good game,” he said on Monday, adding: “There are no easy games anymore.”