“Today we did not want to sit on the defensive”
The duel with Belgium turned out to be frankly unsuccessful for the Russian team. The domestic team suffered their first defeat since March of this year and interrupted the seven-match winning streak. Stanislav Cherchesov, hoping to score three points and take first place in the group, took a chance and made a bet on enough attacking football, but it did not pay off.
“I absolutely agree that the Belgians easily scored all their goals. We knew how the opponent plays. If you remember, in Brussels they also opened an account after a quick attack. Today we did not want to sit on the defensive. We had to win - 2-0. We also wanted to check what we represent. I was already asked if it was better to play five or seven defenders. But we wanted to act on our own. At the World Cup, we were criticized for standing behind us, and now they are criticizing us for our fascination with the attack. If there was a different tournament situation, we would play differently. Belgium is a team of such a level that enjoyed free space and scored goals for us, ”complained Cherchesov.
The trainer also spoke about the situation with the new contract with the RFU. The day before, the head of the Russian Football Union, Alexander Dyukov, stated that a new proposal was made to Cherchesov.
“My contract is at home, and for several years now. Everything is written there and there are points implying prolongation. Nothing new appeared on my desk. The only thing that needs to be changed is the deadline for the agreement. It ends in the summer, and the World Cup is postponed to the winter. Everything else is written there. Honestly, I would not like to comment on this topic anymore, ”Cherchesov added.
As for the Belgian mentor Roberto Martinez, he praised the wards for the first half, but naturally was not too pleased with the second.
“Today's match was a difficult test for our team. We knew what to expect, understood that Russia would play to win. Therefore, in the first half we got such an open game. Before the break, they acted well. I don’t want to criticize the team for the second half, but we gave the opponent too many opportunities, ”complained the specialist.
Martinez also spoke about the game of Eden Azar, who designed a double and gave the assist.
“Eden had a slight injury at the start of the season, which slowed his progress. Each player needs time to adapt to the team, and the team to get used to the new player. I am sure he will show himself in the “Real” from the best side, ”concluded Martinez.
“This is the level of European and world championships”
In turn, the players of the Russian team could only complain about the opponent's class too high. So, the team captain Artyom Dziuba, who left the field without a goal, emphasized that the guests realized almost all of their moments.
“Today Belgium has demonstrated its class, five hits in their performance - four goals. It's hard to figure out how to play with them. Until the first goal they still thought that there were chances. But then they scored ... We did not insure Mario and left him alone with Thorgan Azar. The second missed after not the most obvious blow. We did not realize such moments, but they scored. Still, this is a class. Eden Hazard plays a huge role in this team, ”said Dziuba.
Artyom noted that the opponent pointed out to the Russian national team all the mistakes and provided the players with reason to think.
“This is the level of European and world championships, the slightest mistake is all. We knew that they played great on counterattacks, and as a result, each almost led to a goal. It's a shame that almost everything has flown, it happens. We have to go through this, and defeat is also good, ”added Dzyuba.
The captain also told that the team at the end of the meeting Cherchesov said.
“He did not swear, but said:“ It's good that we got it right now. ” During the break, he asked questions why Mario did not insure, why there was no one to be selected in the situation with the second goal. Third goal conceded: why are three people running towards Dries Mertens. We will analyze all the errors. We have a lot of time ahead, test matches in which we will select opponents at the level of the European or World Championships. But, as far as I remember, in November the national team always plays poorly, I don’t know what it is connected with, ”Dziuba complained.
Finally, the footballer reasoned whether the Russian team was in principle able to play with top teams not from defense.
“Stanislav Salamovich said that this is good food for thought. Maybe we need to play like them: three always remain behind, five are strictly defending, and three are waiting for a counterattack. The Belgians had practically no standards. But the most offensive - it seemed, there is a chance. Then they quickly scored twice, and that’s it. The second half from us inspires some optimism, but we must understand that Belgium has calmed down. It’s better to get it now than at the European Championships, ”summed up Dziuba.
Zelimkhan Bakaev, who replaced at the very beginning of the second half, also talked with reporters. Spartak midfielder quite actively entered the game and helped the Russian team to seize the advantage.
“Today we have given all our strength, but it was not our day. They lost both in the class and in the struggle. But with proper operation, you can offset the difference in class. We need to add even more, and I think everything will be fine with us. It is necessary to draw conclusions and move on. We have completed the task, and this is a lesson for us. We must draw conclusions and become even stronger at the European Championships, ”said Bakaev on the TV channel“ Match TV ”.
“Going to drink vodka on the way home”
The Belgians, for obvious reasons, were in a good mood, especially Eden Hazard. After the match, in a conversation with reporters, he even tried to console Russian players.
“I must admit, Russia played well. We delivered three or four hits in the first half and scored three goals, so the opponent was a little unlucky. The hosts played at a high pace, put pressure, but we have strong performers in our team, and we are able to withstand such teams. In general, we are satisfied, ”Hazard told the UEFA press service after the meeting.
And defender Tom Menieu, on the joys of the ninth consecutive victory in the qualifying tournament, promised to try a traditional Russian alcoholic drink.
“Russia - Belgium 0: 3 ... I'm going to drink vodka on the way home by plane. That’s all I know, ”Monye wrote on Twitter.
But the special attention of journalists in the composition of the guests was, of course, used by the ex-Zenit midfielder Axel Witsel. He himself did not hide his emotions from returning to St. Petersburg.
“St. Petersburg had a great atmosphere, a full stadium. Russia showed its best side in the second half. I was happy to return to Petersburg, I have many good memories associated with Zenit. At the World Championships in St. Petersburg, it was also great, but not in a match with France, ”the player said.
At the same time, he also issued a reverence for the Russian team and emphasized that in the second half the opponent played well.
“We had a great first half, scored three goals, but then we had a harder time. Maybe it was worth more control of the ball. It was important for us to win today, despite the fact that we had already secured a ticket to the Euro. As for the level of the Russian national team, it is good. It was easier to play at home with an opponent, ”added Witsel.
In addition, the midfielder answered the question if he would like to return to the Northern capital as part of the final stage of Euro 2020.
“The European Championship is a competition where a surprise can always happen, for example, Russia's entry into the finals. But I hope Belgium will be in the finals. This is our goal. We want to perform better than at the World Cup and than at Euro 2016 in France. We are waiting for this tournament, and we have a couple more months to prepare, ”Witsel expressed hope.