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The head coach of the Russian national team, Georgy Yartsev, denies that the team will miss the feisty midfielder Alexander Mostovoy, and he is trying to concentrate his team on Wednesday's match against Portugal.
"The team's mood is good. All players are ready, and they know that it will be a tough match," Yartsev said after Mostovoy's removal from the team.
"We have other players who can step on the field and play much better than him. I don't think he was in great form."
Mostovoy's relationship with his coach deteriorated on Saturday after Russia's 0:1 loss to Spain. Shortly after the match, the player, giving an interview in Spanish, said that the team was exhausted and overly tired during training, also adding that he did not believe the Russians could reach the quarterfinals.
"Mr. Mostovoy did not believe in his team's abilities and made it public. I don't think this is acceptable from such an experienced player," said Russia's press representative Alexander Chernov.
At Tuesday's press conference, Yartsev finally faced questions about the player's removal, raising his voice and gesturing sharply to show that the topic was closed.
The player-coach dispute became an unwanted distraction for the Russians ahead of their match against the beleaguered tournament hosts. Portugal also lost their first match to the Greek national team, and another loss for both teams would mean the end of the championship.
"Portugal is fighting for survival. I think they will press us hard and try to show everything they are capable of in attack," said Russia's strategist, citing Luis Figo as the biggest threat.
The match will be a serious test for the weakened Russian defense line, which will have to do without Roman Sharonov, suspended from the field for two yellow cards in the first match.
It is believed that the partner in defense for team captain Alexei Smertin will be the inexperienced Alexei Bugaev.
Due to Mostovoy's removal, it is expected that Dmitri Aelenichev, a representative of the Champions League winners, will move into the center of the defensive line, who was the best Russian player in the match against Spain.
Dmitri Loskov, regaining his best form after injury, may also be included in the defensive line.
