The is the national
Football team of
Russia and is controlled by the
Football Union Of Russia .
Since the breakup of the
USSR , Russian football has struggled to show the level the
USSR Team showed in the Communist era; a significant number of the USSR's players came from the other republics. The team qualified for two World Cups (
1994 ,
2002 ) and two
European Championships (
1996 ,
2004 ), but failed to get out of the first round each time.
After the break up of the Soviet Union, Russia played its first international against Mexico on August 16, 1992.
In the 1994 World Cup, Russia was drawn into Group B with
Cameroon ,
Sweden , and
Brazil . In their first game Russia were defeated by Brazil 2-0. Four days later Russia played Sweden. After taking an early lead after four minutes with a goal from Salenko, Sweden came back to win the match 3-1. Have been already eliminated Russia defeated Cameroon 6-1 with
Oleg Salenko scoring a record of five goals in a single world cup match. Russia was eliminated from the tournament with 3 points scoring one win and two losses.
Two years later Russia qualified for the Euro 96 and was drawn into group C with
Germany ,
Czech Republic , and
Italy . In their first game Russia lost to Italy 2-1 and four days later to Germany 3-0. In their last game Russia fought to a creditable 3-3 draw against the Czech Republic.
Russia failed to qualify for World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000.
At World Cup 2002, Russia was drawn into group H with
Belgium ,
Tunisia , and
Japan . In their first game Russia won over Tunisia 2-0. After much media hype and determination from Russian fans, Russia were determined to win against Japan. However in the 51st minute tragedy spelled for Russia as Japan took a 1-0 lead. Japan held out to win the game 1-0 sparking riots in Moscow. In their last game against Belguim, there was again much determination and gossip for victory. In the 7th minute Belguim took the lead with a goal from
Walem . On the 52nd minute Russia equalised. Drama began to unfold in the last 12 minutes when in the 78th minute Belguim scored with a goal from
Sonck . Russia hopes faded when Belguim took a 3-1 lead in the 82nd minute from
Wilmots . A goal two minutes from time from
Sychev could not save Russia as they lost 3-2. Russia were eliminated with 3 points, scoring a win and two losses. The 2002 campaign was regarded as one in which Russia could have avoided simple mistakes to qualify for the second round.
In the
Euro 2004 , Russia was drawn into group A with
Greece ,
Spain , and
Portugal . On the first day of the tournament Russia lost to Spain 1-0 and four days later lost to Portugal 2-0. However on June 16, Russia surprisingly defeated Greece 2-1 with
Kirichenko scoring in the 2nd minute and Bulykin later scoring in the 17th minute. However Russia was eliminated from Euro 2004.
In the World Cup 2006 Qualifying tournament Russia was drawn into Group 3 with
Portugal ,
Slovakia ,
Estonia ,
Latvia ,
Luxembourg , and
Liechtenstein . Throughout much of the campaign Russia trailed Slovakia for a second place spot. On October 12, 2005 Russia needed to win against Slovakia in Bratislava. After a hard fought and suspensful match the game finished 0-0 and Slovakia moved ahead to take the playoff spot. As a result Russia failed to qualify for Germany 2006 and finished third in group 3 with 23 points scoring six wins, five draws, and one loss.
Russia are currently preparing for the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
This lists players who have played most or all of their international careers in the Russian era. For notable players from the USSR era, see
USSR National Football Team .
