Cyprus :
After the victory in Kazakhstan, Cyprus can grab a thread to get the 2nd position. But it is as fine a thread as defeating Russia in this match, winning the next 2 and trusting that Russia does not add any points in its 2 future commitments. The Cypriot team has thrashed San Marino in the 2 matches and has managed to score 4 points against Kazakhstan. By against Belgium, Russia and Scotland have won this selection without much trouble.
Russia :
Russia is facing the first major tournament since its World Cup where it fell eliminated in the quarterfinals but leaving a good taste. In this group I have played a good qualifying phase, being surpassed only by the powerful Belgium. The Russians keep a strong record of 22 goals scored by 4 conceded, although much of those goals were endorsed to the weak San Marino. On the last day he has thrashed mercilessly 4-0 to Scotland.
For Russia, scoring in this match would be enough to confirm at least the second place of group I and therefore the presence in the Eurocup.
