Russia comes into the World Cup finals as the UEFA group F winners but with very serious injury concerns. While veteran coach Fabio Capello is downplaying the effect this will have on the campaign, losing Skipper Roman Skirokov to a heel injury is a huge blow to Russian hopes. ESPN reported on the irony of this injury after a reported heel injury in the winter was rumored to be a cover for an actual bust up with then coach Luciano Spalleti. However, it appears to be the real thing now and Russia will seriously miss their main (and some say only) creative presence in the midfield.
There also appears to be quite a bit of turmoil in Fabio Capello’s camp with concerns about the vacancy of a captain (Capello promises to name one before the match with South Korea) and Capello’s famous strong- arm tactics (like banning all players from Twitter). It is clear that Russian drama will continue throughout the next week.
However, with a bit of luck and a seemingly easy group, most expect Russia to make it out of their group. They will need the help of the following:
Sergei Ignashevich, also from CSKA Moscow, is undoubtedly the strongest man in the Russian defense. Suspended briefly in November due to taking an unreported cold medicine in November, his defending could potentially make or break the Russian campaign.
The Berezutskiy twins play with fellow defender Sergei Ignashevich at CSKA Moscow. Vasili is sometimes considered the stronger of the two defenders and Aleksei is noted for joining teammate Sergei Ignashevich in taking banned cough syrup and being briefly suspended. Hopefully the CSKA Moscow boys will keep a united front to help Russia get out of its group.
And I would be seriously remiss if I did not join my fellow Watishistas in enjoying this young man.
Alexander Kerzhakov , the dreamy forward from Zenit St. Petersburg, is currently the striker with the most goals in the Russian league’s history. World Soccer reports that handsome Alexander was a victim of business fraud in 2012 and reportedly lost about $10 Million USD.
Russia plays South Korea on Tuesday, the 17th at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba.
– ForzaSusan
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
I was looking forward to seeing Skirokov and am bummed he is out with injury. You wouldn’t think Russia would have much drama, but throw an Italian manager in the mix and viola!