Grishin relies on old guard

Title-holders Russia will be able to call on most of the stars who helped them win the 2005 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship as they target a repeat success.

Momentous summer
Coach Valentin Grishin's side travel to Israel to play in the second qualifying round against the hosts, Portugal and Finland, with only the group winners progressing to the final tournament in Switzerland in July. The following month he shoulders the host nation's hopes as the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship comes to Russia. Grishin tells uefa.com about his aspirations for a momentous summer and the growth of women's football in Russia.

uefa.com: What was the reaction when you got back to Russia last year after winning the European U19 Championship?

Valentin Grishin: It was fantastic. From the day we became champions in Hungary, people started calling to congratulate us and asking about where their daughters could play football. Not only in Moscow but in other cities. It really gave women's football a boost. There was also a warm welcome at the airport with Football Union of Russia people, a number of television channels, flowers, an orchestra. All very nice.

uefa.com: Will many of the same players be available this year?

Grishin: We have lost five players who were born in 1986, but the core of the team remains unchanged. The key players are our first-choice goalkeeper Elvira Todua, who was named best keeper in Hungary, then the two defenders, Ksenia Tsybutovich and Anna Kozhnikova, and our top scorer Elena Danilova.

uefa.com: How have you been preparing for the second qualifying round?

Grishin: We travelled to the Korean Republic and China to play two games against each national team. We lost 2-0 and 1-0 against both of them but had to field a mixed squad with five or six regulars missing. The clubs are getting ready for the start of the season and do not want to release players, so we tested the reserves.

uefa.com: How often do you get together with the players?

Grishin: Most of the clubs are having training camps abroad now and it is difficult to get the team together. We will gather on 16 April to start our training camp before the second qualifying round. We will play two friendlies against top Russian clubs, then travel to Israel two days early to adapt to a completely different climate.

uefa.com: Do you know much about your opponents - Finland, Portugal and Israel?

Grishin: We have videos from the European Championship and I know the core of the teams will be the same as in Hungary. Women's football is on the rise in Finland these days.

uefa.com: Do you expect to receive good support at the FIFA U20 event in Russia?

Grishin: I hope so, especially in St Petersburg where we play our first two matches, as we have some girls from the WFC Avrora St. Petersburg club. I think Moscow will also support us. Women's football is generating greater interest every year among fans and our FA - and that process accelerated after we won the European Championship. Attitudes changed.

uefa.com: Who are your chief rivals for World Championship glory?

Grishin: USA are No1, but we should not forget Germany, Nigeria or Brazil. In Thailand 2004, we had to play without our key striker, Danilova, who was not released by her club. This time we are playing at home so we should have all our best players available.