- Russia begin their Euro 2016 football tournament journey on Saturday, playing their first match against England at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.
- So come on, quick: Name five players from Russia's starting lineup.
- Well?
- Come on then!
- Right, this is awkward. And if you watch the game with Russian friends who know their team well, or you're a Russian with a newly discovered interest in football, awkward ignorance is best avoided.
- Which is why we've compiled a complete cheat sheet for you, featuring useful facts about each player. We've also included tips on which small talk nuggets to offer — and which pitfalls to avoid.
- You're welcome.
Goalkeepers
- 1. Igor Akinfeev
- Akinfeev was born in 1986 and has played for his country's national squad 86 times.
- Do say: "Wasn't he the one who said team Russia hoped they'd play England because they'd be easier to beat than France, Germany or Spain?"
- Don't say: "Can you turn the television down a bit? I want to listen to him sing!"
- 2. Guilherme
Гилерме и Самедов сыграли против Чехии http://www.fclm.ru/ru/publications/news/13105 … pic.twitter.com/fKUfluzzoe- Born in Brazil in 1985, he stands 6 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 78 kilograms and plays for Lokomotiv Moscow.
- Do say: "Did you know he was the first naturalized Russian player on the national team who wasn't born in one of the post-Soviet states?"
- Don't say: "Wait, he doesn't have a last name?"
- 3. Yury Lodygin
#HappyBirthday to Zenit's number 1 Yuri Lodygin! pic.twitter.com/FyfCQDpKVH- The 26-year-old goalkeeper made his debut on Team Russia in a 2013 friendly against South Korea.
- Do say: "I'd tell you which Greek teams he played for, but I can't pronounce them."
- Don't say: "Seriously, he conceded 3 goals in 7 games?"
Defenders
- 1. Alexei Berezutski
As seen on
themoscowtimes.com
