Russia will face Croatia in Moscow September 6 in its first Euro-2008 qualifier in Group E, which also comprises England, Andorra, Estonia, Macedonia, and Israel.
"Croatia is a strong opponent, which is good in home matches and makes almost no mistakes," CSKA Moscow midfielder Yevgeny Aldonin said. "But it did not show anything exciting at this year's World Cup in Germany. If we play well, we have a good chance of winning."
Russia's national team failed to qualify for this year's World Cup in Germany, but Russian fans expect new coach Guus Hiddink, the Dutchman who previously guided South Korea and Australia to unprecedented success, to take the side to the Euro-2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.
Russia will play in a tough group, but the team will try to win every match, Aldonin said.
CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev said no team in Group E could be considered the clear favorite.
"All the teams in the Group E are favorites," he said. "England [which stands higher in the FIFA rankings], has no advantage over the other teams."
Russia is ranked 33rd by FIFA in the latest monthly ratings, whereas England is fifth and Croatia is 21st.
