Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 7y

Russia's home advantage crucial in Mexico clash - Cherchesov

KAZAN, Russia -- Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov believes the national team has won fans over in the Confederations Cup ahead of the host nation's crucial clash against Mexico in Kazan on Saturday.

The Russian team had struggled to generate enthusiasm in their home country, with president Vladimir Putin asking the players to perform like warriors ahead of the tournament.

However, after a 2-0 victory in the opening game against New Zealand and a spirited 1-0 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, Russia are one victory away from making the semifinal, and Cherchesov believes the team is on track.

"I think we have managed to pull off a qualitative leap after Euros in France in terms of enthusiasm," said Cherchesov in Friday's pregame press conference. "We've changed a lot in terms of lineup and attitude and fans have seen that."

Cherchesov stressed that even though the team lost to Portugal, fans remained supportive and the Russian manager said home advantage could be crucial for his side.

"We're not thinking about being eliminated ... It is a pleasure to be in this position," said Cherchesov. "You'll see what it is like to play a third and decisive game for our team. We have a lot of responsibility on our shoulders."

The 53-year-old former goalkeeper has been in charge of the Russian side since August 2016 and doesn't want to think about not winning against El Tri.

"Our guys and our team are very confident," he said when asked if the game will be a significant step toward next year's World Cup. "Hurdlers think about each hurdle and not the 10th."

Cherchesov was also questioned about taking a photo with Ronaldo after the match against Portugal -- a photo op that became an issue in Russia.

"I don't see the problem, is he an alien?" he laughed.

Early Friday, Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio described the match against Russia as "the perfect scenario" for Mexican football to show its quality.

Also present at the prematch news conference was Russia defender Viktor Vasin, who faced Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday. He was asked to compare Javier Hernandez and the Portuguese star ahead of his team's match against Mexico in Kazan.

"I've only seen [Hernandez] on television," said Vasin. "If you compare him to Ronaldo, you'd need to look at the stats, how many golden ball and golden boots he and Ronaldo each have."

Vasin added: "I don't think I have anything interesting to say on the subject."

Russia needs to defeat Mexico to advance to the semifinals, while Mexico would go through to the knockout rounds with a draw.

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