Romantsev restores harmony: Russia
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Your support makes all the difference.1 Dimitri Kharin Chelsea
Has not managed a regular place in goal for his club, and may not do so for his country (Age 27, 34 caps).
2 Omar Tetradze Alania Vladikavkaz
Georgian-born all-rounder with fierce shot who can play in defence or midfield (26, 20).
3 Yuri Nikiforov Spartak Moscow
Outstanding defender who was outstanding in Spartak's European Cup run this season (25, 29).
4 Ilya Tsymbalar Spartak Moscow
Classy midfielder with fine technique who reads the game well. Cartilage operation at start of the year (26, 13).
5 Yuri Kovtun Dynamo Moscow
A central defender with good heading ability who likes to go forward. Is a useful weapon at corners (26, 14).
6 Valeri Karpin Real Sociedad
Estonian-born player who likes to attack up the right wing and can also play as striker (27, 28).
7 Viktor Onopko Real Oviedo
Ukrainian-born all-rounder, usually operates in midfield but can play in defence. Central to the team (26, 41).
8 Andrei Kanchelskis Everton
Ukrainian-born winger, potential matchwinner on his day. Among rebels who opposed previous coach (27, 41).
9 Igor Kolyvanov Foggia
Talented striker now playing in Italy after starting out with Dynamo Moscow. A goal poacher (28, 39).
10 Alexander Mostovoi Strasbourg
Superb ball-player who has lacked consistency. Cool in front of goal. Formerly with Benfica (27, 31).
11 Sergei Kiriakov Karlsruhe
Sharp striker with good control and ability to turn in tight situations. Started out with Dynamo Moscow (26, 32).
12 Stanislav Cherchesov Tirol Innsbruck
Bulky and reliable goalkeeper has finally established himself after several years as an understudy (32, 36).
13 Yegeni Bushmanov CSKA Moscow
Promising defender formerly with Spartak Moscow. Has yet to win a regular place in the Russian team (24, 2).
14 Igor Dobrovolski No club
Skilful attacking midfielder, most recently with Dynamo Moscow but currently without a club (28, 42).
15 Igor Shalimov Udinese
Experienced midfield player who was part of the rebellion against the former coach, Sadyrin (27, 42).
16 Igor Simutenkov Reggiana
Forward who made his League debut at 17 for Dynamo Moscow. Went to Italy in 1994 (23, 6).
17 Vladimir Beschastnykh Werder Bremen
Tall striker with flowing blond hair. Very quick and good passer of the ball. Likes collecting soft toys (22, 16).
18 Igor Yanovski Alania Vladikavkaz
Young midfielder who has had a good season for Alania (formerly Spartak) Vladikavkaz (22, 0).
19 Vladislav Radimov CSKA Moscow
Young and promising midfielder who has broken into the national side. May be on the bench (20, 6).
20 Sergei Gorlukovich Spartak Moscow
Veteran defender who has made an unexpected return to the squad after a spell out of favour (34, 35).
21 Dimitri Khokhlov CSKA Moscow
Industrious young midfielder, another unexpected selection (20, 0).
22 Sergei Ovchinnikov Lokomotiv Moscow
Third-choice goalkeeper, formerly with Dynamo Moscow (25, 2).
l Cap totals correct after friendly v Belgium, 24 April 1996.
The team
Russia look a formidable force and have put a bad 1994 World Cup firmly behind them. There are no world-class players but as a unit they are slick and quick, good on the ball and aware off it. Nikiforov, a defender who loves to come forward and shoot from long range, and Everton's Kanchelskis are key players.
The coach
Oleg Romantsev, capped 10 times at left-back by the Soviet Union, won a hat-trick of Russian titles with Spartak Moscow in 1992, '93 and '94. He replaced Pavel Sadyrin in charge of the national team in 1994, and coached both club and country until December last year. Has restored harmony to the squad after the squabbles of USA 94.
The fact file
Previous appearances in finals: Soviet Union: 1960 (winners), 1964 (runners- up), 1968 (fourth place), 1972 (runners-up), 1976 (quarter-finals), 1988 (runners-up). CIS: 1992 (first round).
Qualifying record: W8, D2, L0 (Group Eight winners).
Top scorer in qualifiers: 5 Kolyvanov.
Most appearances in qualifiers: 10 Onopko.
Population 148m. Registered clubs 43,700. Registered players 2.1m. Professional players figures unavailable.
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