Kutuzov called up by Belarus
Tuesday, April 9, 2002
Article summary
Forward Vitali Kutuzov is among three uncapped players in the Belarus squad to face Hungary.
Article body
Milan AC forward Vitali Kutuzov is among three uncapped players in the Belarus squad to face Hungary next Wednesday.
Vasilyuk questionable
Coach Eduard Malofeev called up Kutuzov as FC Spartak Moscow striker Roman Vasilyuk is a doubt with an ankle injury. Vasilyuk was top scorer for Belarus in 2001 and is a major part of their EURO 2004™ plans.
Debut hopes
Also hoping to debut in Debrecen will be FC Rostselamsh Rostov-Na-Donu midfield player Vladimir Korytko and FC Dinamo Minsk defender Alexander Khrapkovsky.
Baranov left out
Malofeev has sprung a couple of surprises in his selection, including leaving out one of Belarus's most high-profile players, Spartak midfield player Vasiliy Baranov. Also of interest is a recall for FC Dynamo Kyiv midfield players Alexander Khatskevich and Valentin Belkevitch, despite their falling out with Malofeev last year.
Conflict repaired
After a defeat by Ukraine in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification game seven months ago, Malofeev claimed the Dynamo duo were unwilling to give their best to the national team. It prompted Khatskevich and Belkevitch to claim they would not play international action again under Malofeev, but the conflict now seems to be resolved.
EURO 2004™ plans
The match marks the start of Belarus's preparations for the EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign which starts in September. Belarus have a tough draw after being paired with the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria and Moldova. Hungary are also gearing up for the 2004 UEFA European Championship, and are in a qualifying group featuring Poland, Sweden, Latvia and San Marino.
Belarus squad
Tumilovich, Khomutovsky, Ostrovsky, Shuneiko, Lukhvich, Shtanjuk, Khrapkovsky, Yaskovich, Gurenko, Korytko, Gleb, Kulchiy, Khatskevich, Belkevitch, Romashenko, Volodenkov, Milevsky, Vasilyuk, Kutuzov, Kachuro.
