Russia Will Be A Great Host

Russia is set for World Cup fever for the first time in their history after FIFA announced that the country will host the 2018 tournament this afternoon and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is delighted. "We deserved this and it will be a tournament of the highest standards," he commented.

Given Targets Russia Win

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given says that victory over Russia will give his team a huge advantage in the race for top spot in Group B. Following Russia’s defeat to Slovakia, the Manchester City keeper knows that another loss will leave the Sbornaya with a mountain to climb.

Russia Lose Roman

Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is out of Russia's upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers with an ankle injury. The 28-year-old will miss Russia's games against the Republic of Ireland and Macedonia with Russian media suggesting Alexander Bukharov will be called up in replacement.

Returning To Russia

Dick Advocaat has been named as the new coach of Russia, after leaving his post as Belgium manager last month. Advocaat takes over from Dutch compatriot Guus Hiddink, who had taken the Russians to the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

Blatter Backs Russia

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has expressed reservations about England's bid to host the World Cup in 2018. Blatter is unsure whether the English bid will be attractive enough to beat the bid from Russia, which he described as 'remarkable'.

I Considered City

Russia coach Guus Hiddink has revealed that he could have become Manchester City manager after Mark Hughes was sacked in December. Roberto Mancini eventually took over at Eastlands with Hiddink being named as Turkey's new head coach two months later.