Capello back at the World Cup with Russia

Fabio Capello returns to World Cup action on Tuesday as his Russia side take on South Korea.

The Italian's last taste of the big stage ended badly as England limped out in 2010 and he will be looking to amend that.

Here, Press Association's MatchStory looks at his chances.

Out of the blocks early

The Russians will be looking for a quick start for they scored a fifth of their goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches in qualifying. That was a higher proportion than all but three other finalists (Ivory Coast, Costa Rica & Holland), none of which have managed the feat in their opening matches so far.

On the flip side, the Koreans were often vulnerable early on, conceding three of their five first-half goals against inside the first quarter of an hour. This was more than any other team.

Read the rest of my piece for Press Association's MatchStory on ITV Football 

Russia ready to show their strength

Russia defender Vasili Berezutski believes his side have a point to prove as they continue preparations for their opening World Cup Group H match against South Korea in Cuiaba.

The last time the Russians featured in a World Cup was back in 2002, where they were dumped out of the tournament in the group stages having only accumulated three points.

Following 12 years in the abyss, the team - led by former England manager Fabio Capello - managed to finish first ahead of Portugal in qualifying by playing an exciting brand of attacking football.

The 31-year-old Berezutski, who has 78 caps to his name, has paid tribute to the impact Capello has made since taking over back in July 2012.


"We have things to prove in this World Cup," Berezutski told FIFA.com.

Read the rest of my Russia vs South Korea match preview on Eurosport (via Press Association)