Dublin dream for Yartsev

By Eduard Nisenboim

In taking on the role of Russia coach after Valeri Gazzaev's resignation last month, former Russian international Georgi Yartsev has been set a monumental task.

Shameful defeat
Lying in third place in Group 10, three points behind the Republic of Ireland in second and five adrift of first-placed Switzerland, Russia have not had an easy time. Gazzaev resigned after a 2-1 home defeat by Israel in a friendly on 20 August, concluding: "It was a shameful, disgusting performance by our team. The players were totally lacking any will to win."

Qualification prospects
However, if Yartsev can restore that will to win in Dublin on Saturday, there is still hope. Russia have a game in hand on the top two, and with Switzerland travelling to Moscow for their next qualifying game on Wednesday, winning Group 10 remains a possibility.

Coaching credentials
Yartsev only started coaching in 1994 after working at that year's FIFA World Cup as a media pundit. Drafted into the FC Spartak Moskva coaching team by one of his predecessors in the Russia hotseat, Oleg Romantsev, the former Spartak and PFC CSKA Moskva striker led his side to the 1996 Russian title after his mentor's departure. He continued as assistant coach when Romantsev returned the following year, and went on to coach FC Dinamo Moskva and SC Rotor Volgograd. However, he had been out of professional football since June 2000 when he was offered the Russia job.

Unmissable offer
"Could I say no to the offer to coach Russia? Excuse me, but this is the national team," said Yartsev. "Not every coach gets these kind of offers. This is the pinnacle of coach's work, and not taking that opportunity is admitting you're inadequate as a professional."

Point to prove
Supporters have warmed to Yartsev since he recalled two players who had both been sidelined by Gazzaev - RC Celta de Vigo captain Aleksandr Mostovoi and FC Porto's Dmitiri Alenichev - and with the experienced central defender Victor Onopko reinstalled as captain, Yartsev has laid down solid foundations.

'We can beat them'
The coach will be without FC Lokomotiv Moskva's Dmitri Khokhlov in Dublin, but is hoping that Russia can still overcome the Irish. "We can beat them if we deprive them of the ball and if we cut back on long passing," he said. "If we control the ball - and I am sure my players can do that - we can win."

Irish warning
However, he did not underestimate Ireland, who Russia beat 4-2 in their opening qualifier in Moscow. "The Ireland of Dublin is nothing like the Ireland we saw in Moscow," he said. "The current team resembles the team which surprised the world in Korea and Japan."

Experienced side
Brian Kerr's side will need to be at their best in Dublin, and the coach has called up his most experienced men for the game. Midfield players Lee Carsley and Steven Reid joined the squad despite recent injuries, with Kerr insisting: "This is not the time for blooding new potential talent."

Significant fixture
Certainly the game is of huge significance to the Irish. Should they win, they would go into their final game of the group, away in Switzerland on 11 October, in a strong position. However, if Yartsev can inspire Russia, the group is theirs for the taking. Wins against Ireland and Switzerland would lift them to the top of the group ahead of their final game - a home match against Georgia, who welcome Albania in Saturday's other Group 10 game.