I always liked the Russian national team, Akiveef is one of my favorite keepers.
He makes boneheaded decisions sometimes, but I've watched that dude save shots that only a small percentage of keepers could hope to deflect nevermind parry or dive catch it.
They have just a always suffered from a lack of quality up front, always with old legs or veterans commanding the frontman role, it was almost strange how they never let the younger kids have a go on the big stage.
This year might be different, but they are still the same type of team. They concede possession because they are basically clueless in attack, or toothless, or both, so they just wait to counter and break or just win the ball back in midfield as they do have quality there.
If Salah plays, Egypt goes through and Russia is going to have to beat Uraguay to get to the knockout stage. Putin wouldn't be pleased. If this Russian side doesn't advance, the guy is going to gut the whole fucking thing and start from scratch mark my words.