Advocaat downplays Russia’s chances of Euro 2012 glory

Moscow: Russia coach Dick Advocaat has downplayed his side’s chances of Euro 2012 glory despite their eye-catching 3-0 win over Italy.

econd half goals from Aleksandr Kerzhakov and a brace from Roman Shirokov provided Russia with the perfect platform to head into the upcoming tournament, but Advocaat is still looking at ways his side can improve. He told reporters: "Let`s be realistic. On Monday I re-watched the Italy game and realised that we still have things to work on. "The favourites for the tournament are Spain, Germany and Holland. I`d say that Russia are probably outsiders." The 64-year-old also revealed Igor Akinfeev’s fitness is currently being closely monitored with Russia due to open their campaign against Czech Republic later in the week. He added: "He has some liquid left in his knee and we need to eliminate any risk. Today he`s going to work on a special programme with the physio. There`s still time, so it`s not worth risking him or others." Goal.com