Russia v Austria: Sergei Shavlo's view

Having spent much of his playing career in Austria, former FC Spartak Moskva midfielder Sergei Shavlo will be watching Austria's UEFA EURO 2016 encounter with Russia with interest. One of a host of Russian stars who tried their luck in Austria in the 1990s – along with Rashid Rachimov, Stanislav Cherchesov, Andrei Chernyshov and Sergei Yuran – he has worked as a coach in both nations, and gave UEFA.com his thoughts on how Sunday's Group G game in Moscow might pan out.

On the state of the Austria team…
"In the 90's Austria played in two World Cup final tournaments. Austria were strong then – they had great players like Toni Polster, who was at Sevilla, and Andreas Herzog, who later played for Werder Bremen and Bayern München. The current generation is less talented, but these lads are more successful in some ways, as most of them play in Germany, England, Italy, Turkey, Switzerland ... That international experience definitely helps them. They all know what they want and they look like a real team, and play well in defence."

Marcel Koller: a modern coach©AFP/Getty Images

On Austria coach Marcel Koller …
"He is from a country [Switzerland] which has a similar mentality to Austria. Koller does not have most spectacular coaching CV, but he has managed to create a strong group. Koller is a modern coach with a good tactical knowledge. He likes his team to make fast transitions from defence to attack, and gives his players jobs that they can do."

On David Alaba's absence for the game …
"Of course, it is a big blow for them. He is a talented guy who never stops developing. However, Austria have already played a few matches without him and that proves Koller's coaching quality once again. His team plays well even without their top player."

Why Austria are top of Group G …
"They clearly do not underestimate any opponents, while in Russia we probably do. People think the Austrians and the Swiss are decent skiers, and that's all, but it is not true! Both countries have exemplary youth development systems – their youngsters regularly get through the group stages at the UEFA youth tournament finals. We don't get to those stages, while they do, and then those talented youngsters move abroad to leading leagues in Europe."

On his predictions for the game …
"The fact we had to come from behind to beat Belarus [4-2 in a recent friendly] is worrying. God save us if we go behind on Sunday! Austria barely concede any goals and play very disciplined football. I think the visitors will keep it compact and try to hit on the counter. They have a couple of set-pieces experts, like Marko Arnautovic.

"I would like to see us win 2-0, but I am not sure about that. Austria are consistent – they pick up points at a good rate. They can afford to lose on Sunday, while we need the right results to get us up from third place if we are to get to France. The outlook is good, but we cannot get complacent. If we cannot qualify from this group, then – pardon my French – we should shut the team down!"