Star players of Russia eager to begin
Striker Fyodor Smolov and winger Aleksandr Samedov have spoken ahead of Russia 2018. Both of them lead the team’s goals and assists charts. You will read also on what they both agree too through this chat.
At the start of their home World Cup
Smolov: This is a special event for any country in this position that will stay in the memory for many years to come. All the stadiums and infrastructure that have been built for the World Cup will be the legacy of the tournament and help us to develop new generations, teach kids how to play football and improve the sport in our country. We want the tournament to get started already! Your first game is the most important; you start the tournament as you mean to go on. We’ve only got three games in the group stage. There is no time to make any plans, we just have to give it 100 percent from the first minute of the first match and get the best possible result.
Samedov: The motivation for these tournaments is special. Every day you try to work at your maximum level. I already know what a World Cup is all about and how intense it is. It’s the highest stage you can play on. I’m staying calm in my preparations because psychology is an important factor too, although the pressure is there. It’s our home World Cup and we’re kick-starting the tournament. The whole world will be watching us.
On their roles in the team
Smolov is the team’s top scorer with seven goals while Samedov has produced the most goals and assists combined under head coach Stanislav Cherchesov, four and six respectively.
Smolov: I can’t say that I’m the biggest attacking threat; I’m just the striker and my main job is to score goals and finish off the moves that the team puts together. But actually, it makes no difference who puts the ball in the net. I’m not worried about that.
Star players Russia