Rubin ready to look forward

Anxious wait
After finishing fifth in the 2006 Russian Premier-Liga, Rubin had to wait under the Russian Cup final in May to find out if their placing was good enough to earn European football. FC Lokomotiv Moskva's eventual cup win, which confirmed Rubin in the UEFA Intertoto Cup - starting with Saturday's trip to Zalaegerszegi TE of Hungary - came at a bad time for the Kazan outfit, however.

Slow starters
The 2007 season had started in the worst possible way for Kurban Berdyev's team, with just one victory in eight matches. A recent improvement brought three straight successes – against FC Krylya Sovetov Samara, FC Kuban Krasnodar and FC Dinamo Moskva - taking Rubin up to seventh spot, with midfielder Aleksandr Ryazantsev and centre-back Gabriel particularly impressive.

Tragic loss
Despite the upturn in results though, Rubin remain a side in mourning following the death of homegrown defender Lenar Gilmullin. He was left in a coma after a motorbike accident on 18 June, his 22nd birthday, and died four days later. The tragedy has eclipsed all sporting matters, yet this weekend at least the focus must return to football. Saturday's second-round tie, and the return leg in Russia a week later, will decide whether Rubin progress to face either SK Rapid Wien or ŠK Slovan Bratislava for a place in UEFA Cup qualifying.

Intertoto incentive
Coach Berdyev is trying to sound upbeat about their prospects yet knows there is room for improvement. "I am happy with the results but not the performances," he said. "The Russian championship this season is easily more competitive than in recent years." With Rubin reliant on young players due to injuries, Berdyev also appreciates that the income from an extended European campaign would help strengthen the squad. "We need players for the central axis in defence, midfield and attack," he added. The time has come for Rubin to overcome adversity - and do justice to the memory of Gilmullin.