Euro 2008 team profile: Russia

Russia

Winners of the 1960 tournament in prior incarnation of 'The Empire', yet have struggled recently with the loss of players from the satellite states. Got through qualifying care of a large favour from Croatia, after seemingly throwing their chance away in Israel.

A finals appearance at the first time of asking for Guus Hiddink, and there is no better man to lead a squad late into the business end of an international competition. Domestic season only a few months old and plenty of talented players coming into their prime. Could surprise a few.

Tournament prediction: Winners

EURO 2008 GROUP D:  GREECE - RUSSIA - SPAIN - SWEDEN

Main man: Pavel Pogrebnyak

Rated 50-50 to play after an injury knock, Russia need Pogrebnyak fit and firing with captain Arshavin suspended for the first two games. The 24 year old enjoyed a great UEFA Cup campaign with Zenit, hitting 10 goals to finish joint top scorer, and four more in nine caps shows he can translate the form to international level. Should be Guus’s goal getter.

One to watch: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov

Only six of the squad are over 26 and several players capable of leaving a big mark on the competition. Bilyaletdinov has established himself as a regular at 23, as a versatile midfielder who has pace and can create from the middle or the wing. Scoring record of around 1 in 5 games for Lokomotiv Moscow is testament to a sweet left foot. Roman Abramovich is keeping a close eye.