Capello Makes Bold Choices in Russia’s World Cup Squad Announcement
Russia manager Fabio Capello surprised many on Monday with his preliminary 30-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, leaving out several established names while calling up some unexpected inclusions as the nation eyes a successful campaign in Brazil.
Among the most notable omissions is striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, a familiar face in Russia’s forward line over the past decade. Capello instead opted for 30-year-old Pavel Pogrebnyak, currently plying his trade in England’s second tier with Reading. Also missing from the squad is former national team captain Andrey Arshavin, whose absence signals the end of an era for a player once hailed as the linchpin of Russia’s attack.
Pogrebnyak’s inclusion may raise eyebrows given his recent form and the fact that he plays outside Russia’s top flight, but Capello has long favoured players who bring physicality and tactical discipline—attributes that could serve the side well in a challenging Group H that includes Belgium, South Korea, and Algeria.
Speaking after the squad announcement, Capello defended his selections. “We have chosen players who are fully committed, who are in form, and who can play a role in our system. Our focus is on team performance rather than individual reputations,” said the Italian tactician.
The backbone of the squad remains drawn from the Russian Premier League, with CSKA Moscow and Zenit St. Petersburg dominating the list. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev retains his place as first choice between the posts, joined by Zenit’s Yury Lodygin and Rubin Kazan’s Sergei Ryzhikov in the goalkeeping department.
Russia’s defence remains consistent, with the Berezutsky twins, Alexei and Vasily, as well as veteran Sergei Ignashevich forming the core of Capello’s backline. CSKA’s Georgy Shchennikov and Spartak’s Dmitry Kombarov add width and pace on the flanks, while Andrei Yeshchenko of Anzhi Makhachkala also makes the cut.
In midfield, Capello has called up a mix of experience and emerging talent. Dynamo Moscow’s Yury Zhirkov and Roman Shirokov of FC Krasnodar bring international pedigree, while Zenit duo Viktor Faizulin and Oleg Shatov add youthful energy. Rubin Kazan’s Pavel Mogilevets is among the newer faces hoping to earn a place in the final 23.
Up front, Zenit’s Alexander Kerzhakov is expected to lead the line, supported by the dynamic Alexander Kokorin and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Alexander Samedov. The imposing Pogrebnyak, along with Artem Dzyuba of Rostov, adds aerial threat and physical presence.
The squad will now enter a training phase before Capello announces his final 23-man list. The former England manager will hope that his blend of domestic consistency and selective risk-taking pays off in Brazil, where Russia is aiming to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Russia begins their World Cup campaign against South Korea on June 17, followed by fixtures against Belgium and Algeria.
