Football Union of Russia - last updated on 12 July 2008
(Courtesy of Johnny Beaufays)
Association name: Football Union of Russia
(Российский Футбольный Союз
)
Foundation: 1912
Confederation UEFA
Colours: Red, white and blue
Website: www.rfs.ru
Honours:
UEFA Euro - 1 (1960)
Olympic Football Tournament - 2 (1956, 1988)
FIFA U-20 World Cup - 1 (1977)
FIFA U-17 World Cup - 1 (1987)
A bit of history:
Following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Russia rejoined FIFA as an independent nation in 1992 and competed at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™ two years later. Famously, Oleg Salenko fired five goals against Cameroon to set a tournament record which stands to this day.
However, the Russians failed to qualify for the 1998 and 2006 tournaments and disappointed at Korea/Japan 2002. A long time has passed since the golden era of the 1950s and 1960s when powerful USSR teams were built around goalkeeping legend Lev Yashin, one of the game's all-time greats.
UEFA EURO 2004 in Portugal was another disappointment, as they became the first side to be eliminated from the tournament. However, they were the only team to defeat eventual champions Greece.
Guus Hiddink took the controls in 2006, and the Dutch tactician swiftly began his attempt to lead the side to a place at EURO 2008. After a slow start, the Russians clicked into gear and a 1-0 win in Andorra in their final qualifier proved enough for them pip England to a ticket to Austria and Switzerland.
Having successfully made it to the European finals, Russia will now be out to appear on the world stage in 2010.
Club crests: (roll on the crest to get more informations)
Football Union of Russia
