MOSCOW, November 17 (RIA Novosti) - Chelsea star Yury Zhirkov believes that Russia will have to score at least once in Slovenia on Wednesday if they are to go through to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
Two goals by Everton's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov had given Russia a comfortable lead against Group 3 runners-up Slovenia on Saturday in the first-leg of their playoff for next summer's finals, to be held in South Africa. But an 88th minute header by Nejc Pecnik silenced the capacity crowd at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium and handed Slovenia a lifeline.
"I suppose Slovenia are counting on a 1-0 win. That result will suit them fine," Zhirkov told the bobsoccer.ru website. "So as not to risk anything, Russia have to score. I'm sure we are capable of this."
"In Maribor, we have to finish well what we started. The team has had a decent qualifying campaign, and its logical conclusion would be success in the playoffs," he added.
Despite being plagued by injuries since joining Chelsea this summer, Zhirkov started against Slovenia on Saturday and almost gave Russia the lead after dribbling half the length of the pitch. His close-range shot was saved but he was a constant threat down Russia's right flank.
"I won't hide anything - my knee is still giving me some trouble. The pain comes and goes. I hope I'll be ok for Wednesday," Zhirkov said.
Zhirkov's 18 million-pound transfer from CSKA Moscow was the only major piece of business by Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich this summer, when the club recruited new trainer Carlo Ancelotti and focused on signing current stars to long contracts.
