Russia gearing up for finals
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Article summary
Russia have confirmed their preparations for UEFA EURO 2004™, which include visits to Bulgaria and Norway.
Article body
Russia have announced their warm-up programme for UEFA EURO 2004™, days after confirming coach Georgi Yartsev on a new two-year contract.
Warm-up fixtures
The squad will face a 'B' international against Japan on 11 February. No FC Lokomotiv Moskva players will take part in the fixture at the request of the Moscow club's coach, Yuri Semin, due to their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie against AS Monaco FC, which begins with the home leg on 24 February.
Away trips
Bulgaria will form Russia's first full international opposition of the year in Sofia on 31 March, before a trip to Oslo to play Norway on 28 April. Russia hope to confirm a match against Austria on 25 May in Vienna and are also planning to stage a four-team tournament in Moscow during the month of May.
Spain opener
Russia's EURO 2004™ Group A campaign opens against Spain on the evening of 12 June in Faro-Loulé, with fixtures against hosts Portugal and Greece to follow.
