Failure not an option for Hiddink

Guus Hiddink says a Russian defeat in Israel is "impossible" in Saturday's decisive Group E qualifier.

Calm approach
With Russia requiring a win in Tel-Aviv to overtake second-placed England, the coach insists UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification is firmly in their hands. "I'm calm," the Dutchman said. "A victory over Israel would practically secure our qualification. After all our hard work, a defeat in Israel is simply impossible."

Training trip
Hiddink's team have landed in Cyprus for a training camp ahead of their crunch match at Israel's Ramat Gan Stadium. All 20 players are reporting a clean bill of health. They will conclude their campaign away to Andorra next Wednesday, when England – who have 23 points to Russia's 21 – play leaders Croatia in their remaining qualifier.