Valery Karpin`s impressive unbeaten streak as coach of the Russian national football team has now reached 20 matches, a remarkable run since their last defeat against Croatia in November 2021. While some analysts have attributed Qatar`s loss to their own passive play, it is also widely acknowledged that every team`s performance is ultimately shaped by the allowances granted by their opponent.
The starting lineup for this particular match was entirely new, featuring a fresh selection of top-tier players including Safonov, Silyanov, Diveev, Osipenko, Krugovoy, Batrakov, Kislyak, both Miranchuks, Sergeev, and Golovin, all considered among the best in the nation. It`s noteworthy that Russia`s September opponents were the two top teams from the recent AFC Asian Cup, Asia`s equivalent of the European Championship. In that tournament`s final, Qatar, affectionately known as `The Maroons,` secured a 3-1 victory over Jordan. However, the Russian side gave Qatar no opportunity to replicate such a display. The Qatari team adopted a deep defensive posture, often operating in a 5-4-1 formation, seemingly due to a lack of alternative strategies. Russia demonstrated excellent ball circulation, yet initially struggled to create unconventional attacking opportunities during the first thirty minutes. The breakthrough eventually arrived, thanks to Coach Karpin`s astute tactical adjustments. The freedom of movement granted to the central defenders, supported by defensive midfielders, allowed the full-backs to push forward aggressively, with wingers drifting into central areas. As soon as the Qatari hosts made a crucial error, their defense crumbled, conceding three goals within just twelve minutes before halftime. This dominant performance earned a fitting assessment from Vladislav Radimov, a UEFA Cup and Super Cup winner, during a broadcast on `Match Premier`:
I genuinely admire the way our national team is playing. And fundamentally, what strikes me most is the incredible mobility of our midfield. Kislyak, Batrakov, and Golovin — all three share a similar physical build. When we lose the ball, we immediately engage in pressing to win it back, that’s one key aspect. Secondly, our defensive line operates almost `à la Barcelona` – they don`t drop deep at all; instead, they confront opponents in the midfield. The only thing I feel is somewhat lacking, despite excellent play on the flanks and strong pressing, is that such high-level creative players near the penalty area should combine much more frequently. We often concluded many attacks simply by striking shots at goal.
The standout performers of the match were Batrakov, Golovin, Krugovoy, and Kislyak. Kislyak scored Russia`s second goal, marking his first international goal for the national team, thereby reinforcing the belief of those who consider him the country`s most formidable defensive midfielder. Batrakov was instrumental in setting up the opening goal, and Golovin scored in the 33rd minute. Krugovoy delivered a spectacular, decisive cross to Kislyak, and Sergeev capitalized on a rebound just before the end of the first half. I would also respectfully disagree with any criticism directed at Miranchuk Jr., suggesting he was the only player who seemed out of sync with the otherwise excellent starting ensemble. Anton was exceptionally effective, even when not in possession of the ball, and the third goal would not have materialized without his crucial interception and pass to his brother Alexei. As for Qatar, it seems they are destined to always score against Russia, as they consistently manage to do so. In the second half, our team showed a noticeable slowdown in their decision-making and was justifiably punished for it. Furthermore, there were the usual concerns regarding defensive organization; while attacking actions were clearly well-prepared and executed, the defensive efforts were notably less refined. The attack, however, was truly `on fire,` a fact emphatically confirmed by Miranchuk Sr.`s fourth goal in the 69th minute, a brilliant one-two play with Sergeev.
In October, the Russian national team is scheduled to play two more friendly matches, both to be held on home soil. On the 10th, the team will host Iran, a nation that has qualified for the World Cup, in Volgograd. Four days later, on the 14th, Russia will face Bolivia, a team still harboring hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, at the Dynamo Arena in the capital.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth