Russia midfielder Andrei Arshavin’s creative genius is enough to make up for his low stamina, Russia coach Dick Advocaat said Friday.
Arshavin played the whole game in both of Russia’s first two games at Euro 2012, despite playing 90 minutes only six times in 29 games for Arsenal and Zenit St. Petersburg last season.
“I left him on the pitch because he can score a goal from nothing,” Advocaat said when asked why he did not substitute Arshavin in Russia’s 1-1 draw with Poland on Tuesday.
“He can significantly influence the team.”
Arshavin set up two of Russia’s goals in the opening 4-1 win over the Czech Republic last week, and provided the assist for Alan Dzagoev to score against Poland.
With three assists at Euro 2012, Arshavin is equaled only by Spain’s David Silva.
Russia next game is against Greece in Warsaw on Saturday.
If the Russians win, they are assured of a place in the quarterfinals as group winners, while Greece need a victory to have any hope of progressing.
