World Cup Team Guide: Russia

Manager: Stanislav Cherchesov

Key player: Alan Dzagoev - On of those players that is tipped for big things but never really kicks on. A telnted playmaker, Dzagoev can unlock a defence on his day and Russia will need him to play a key part if they are to extend their home World Cup beyond the Group Stage.

Qualification:

Russia qualified for the tournament automatically as hosts.

Last time out:

2014 World Cup:

A disappointing campaign ended early as Russia managed just two draws and a defeat in the Group Stage. 1-1 draws with South Korea and Algeria either side of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Belgium proved not to be enough as Russia failed to make it to the Round of 16.

History:

Russia have appeared in 10 World Cups, but they have never made it out of the group since the break up of the Soviet Union. Their best finish came back in 1966 when they finished fourth under the guise of the USSR.

Who will they face?

Saudi Arabia (4pm, June 14, Moscow), Egypt (7pm, June 19, St Petersburg), Uruguay (3pm, June 25, Samara).

Final squad:

Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Club Brugge), Andrey Lunev (Zenit St Petersburg).

Defenders: Vladimir Granat (Rubin Kazan), Fedor Kudryashov (Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Andrey Semenov (Akhmat Grozny), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg).

Midfielders: Yuri Gazinskiy (Krasnodar), Alexsandr Golovin (CSKA Moscow), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Aleksandr Erokhin (Zenit St Petersburg), Yuri Zhirkov (Zenit St Petersburg), Daler Kuzyaev (Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Zobnin (Spartak Moscow), Alexsandr Samedov (Spartak Moscow), Anton Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal).

Forwards: Artem Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Aleksey Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fedor Smolov (Krasnodar).