European Championship 2008 - Russia

The Russian Football team have a great record of qualifying for the finals of the Euro Championships and the World Cup but have great difficulty getting beyond the group stages.

Most people will consider Russia lucky to have made it to these finals, with England hitting the self destruct button in their final match leaving the door open to Russia to walk through, which they did with a great big thank you to Steve G's men.

Russia really made it through following their victory against England on the plastic pitch and apart for ten minutes in this game they were very much second best.

Russia have been drawn against Greece and Spain who they failed to get by in the same competition in Greece four years ago and they are 4/1 outsiders to win Group D with Sweden the other team in the Group.

Guss Hiddick is the coach of the Russian team and he is a quality coach but he will have to perform miracles to make any impact on the Euro 2008 Championships.

Player To Watch - Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
Euro 2008 could be the tournament that makes Diniyar Bilyaletdinov or he could already be on his way to one of the big clubs in London with a number of the leading Premier League clubs about to fight for his services.

The Lokomotiv Moscow player had a key role in Russia's victory over England last month and has already caught the eye of Chelsea.

Arsenal are ready to battle for the signiture of the Russian star, in January. It has been said the highest amount the London rivals will go up to is £20 million.