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2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
Group Stage fixture
Russia vs Slovakia
Kazan Arena
Kazan, Russia
Friday, 08 October 2021
Kick-off is at 20:45
Russia will host Slovakia in a
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kazan on Friday evening, hoping that victory will move them top of a competitive Group H.
The 2018 World Cup hosts are level on 13 points with Croatia after six rounds of fixtures, and four points ahead of Slovakia with Slovenia also in the play-off mix.
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Russia drew 0-0 with Crotia before back-to-back wins over Cyprus and Malta in Valeri Karpin's first three matches in charge. He has already copped some criticism, despite being new to the job, but insists that he expected as much.
"And we haven’t lost a game yet [since I took over as head coach]. Just imagine what will happen if we lose. There will be criticism. I have grown accustomed to this over the years, I need to concentrate on the work and improve the things that I or critics don’t like," Karpin said.
Slovakia face both Russia and Croatia this month and know that six points will get them straight back into the mix for automatic qualification for next year's showpiece in Qatar.
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Photo suggestion: Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik
Sokoli beat their opponents 2-1 in the reverse fixture hosted in Trnava back in March. Robert Mak netted a second-half winner for the hosts moments after Mario Fernandes had levelled matters for Russia.
Russia vs Slovakia head-to-head statistics:
Matches: 10
Russia wins: 3
Slovakia wins: 4
Draws: 3
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