Russia Confirm Pre-World Cup Schedule Ahead of Group H Campaign
Russia have confirmed their pre-World Cup training and match schedule as they prepare to face Algeria, South Korea and Belgium in Group H of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Fabio Capello’s side will begin their preparations on Wednesday, 21 May, with a training camp based in Moscow. From there, the squad will travel to Kazan to face Slovakia in a friendly on Monday, 26 May, as part of their build-up to the tournament.
Following the match, the team will return to Moscow, where they will continue training on the Eduard Streltsov Stadium pitch. Capello is expected to lead one training session per day from Tuesday through Thursday, ensuring his squad maintains fitness and sharpness.
Russia will then travel to Oslo to face Norway on Saturday, 31 May — a test that is expected to provide a more physical challenge ahead of their group matches in Brazil. Their final warm-up fixture will be against Morocco on Friday, 6 June, in Moscow. The North African side is seen as a tactical rehearsal ahead of Russia’s group-stage clash with Algeria.
The squad will then depart for Brazil on Sunday, 8 June. Their base camp will be in the town of Itu, located near São Paulo, where they will acclimatise and finalise preparations before the tournament begins.
Russia will be competing in their sixth World Cup, with their campaign opening against South Korea on Tuesday, 17 June, in Cuiabá. They will then face Algeria on Sunday, 22 June, in Porto Alegre, before concluding the group stage against Belgium in São Paulo on Thursday, 26 June.
With Algeria also in Group H, the Fennecs’ management is paying close attention to the Russians’ preparations. The match between Algeria and Russia is expected to be a pivotal one in deciding which teams progress to the knockout stages.
Capello, a veteran of international tournaments, will be looking to guide Russia beyond the group stage for the first time since the dissolution of the Soviet Union — and a well-structured build-up may prove key.
