Fearless Onopko rallies Russia

Former Russia captain Viktor Onopko insists his countrymen have nothing to fear against hotly-tipped Spain in their mouthwatering UEFA EURO 2008™ opener.

Early test
Guus Hiddink's men get their Group D campaign under way against Spain in Innsbruck on Tuesday determined to end a 48-year wait for silverware. However, despite the odds favouring the men from the Iberian peninsula, Onopko believes there is no clear-cut favourite in the section. "Everyone seems to think Spain are guaranteed first place in the group, but I don't think so," said Onopko, whose eight Spanish seasons with Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano qualify him to comment. "The group is even and at the same time very difficult. Every team will approach their first match with a lot of caution and will be scared of losing, because the opening game defines a lot. But you can be more open against Spain because they play and they let you play. They are only human, just like us, so there's no need to fear them. The most important thing is to come into this match mentally prepared."

Final target
Russia are targeting progress from the pool and, in Onopko's opinion, any side making the knockout rounds could go all the way to the final. "Our goal is to advance from the group," continued Russia's most-capped player, who represented the CIS at EURO '92. "If we get through, we can go all the way to the final because we will have the support of our fans. This support is vital for us. And we'll try to get there playing good football."

'Positive approach'
Onopko's executive role with the Football Union of Russia has given him a unique insight into the country's preparations. Consequently, he feels the squad have arrived in Leogang in high spirits. "The mood in the camp is good. We played against Lithuania on Wednesday and won 4-1 and the most important thing is that almost everyone, aside from Pavel Pogrebnyak, is fit. Now we must prepare as there is still time before the Spain game. We have to be positive," said the former FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Spartak Moskva defender.

Finals momentum
Russia will face Spain on the back of three friendly victories, against Kazakhstan, Serbia and Lithuania, having scored 12 goals with just two conceded. However, for Onopko, the players' biggest challenge will be carrying that form into the finals. "The first win, against Kazakhstan in Moscow, was a confidence boost. It was a bit hard against Serbia, but we won, while we then beat Lithuania 4-1. All the while the boys have been training really hard, so there was a degree of tiredness at play in the matches. The games don't count for much but what you can see is the team gaining form and developing a greater understanding and togetherness."