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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 JUNE 2014 51 FANCIED Belgium run into Russia on Sunday at the Maracana in a World Cup duel of contrasts. Fabio Capello's Russians are the only team whose entire 23-player squad is from domestic league clubs, and they are also one of the older squads de- spite transition attempts by the Italian coach ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Belgium of coach Marc Wilmots are the third-youngest team, and 20 of their players earn their money abroad - 11 of them, such as Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Everton's Romelu Lukaku, in the English Premier League. Wilmots grabbed the 3-2 winner when the two sides met for the last time at the World Cup, in the final group game in 2002 which saw the Belgians through and Russia elimi- nated. The permutations are similar this time around in the Group H fixture in Rio de Janeiro. Belgium came from behind to edge Algeria 2-1 in their opener while the Russians drew 1-1 with South Korea. A defeat would leave Russia's qualifica- tion hopes hanging by a thread while Belgium would assure themselves of a place in the knock-out rounds with victory. Both have a fourth-place finish as their best result on the world stage, Russia in 1966 and Belgium 20 years later, with a last 16 win over the So- viet Union en route. This time around only the talented Belgians appear ca- pable of reaching the later stages if all goes well. "Belgium are capable of winning the World Cup," said Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who headed the equalizer against Algeria. Wilmots is sweating on the fitness of key defender Vincent Kompany from English champions Manchester City, who missed Friday training, but is as upbeat as Fellaini in general. "The opponent has a lot of experi- ence. We must control the game as well against them (as against Alge- ria). We will not change our philoso- phy. Losing is not in our dictionary," Wilmots said. Wilmots may draw on the knowl- edge of Nicolas Lombaerts and Axel Witsel, who play in the Russian league at Zenit St Petersburg. "We must watch out for their quick transition game," Lombaerts warned, fearing especially Alexander Kerzha- kov as "an excellent striker." However, Russia's first game showed that Capello faces a lot of work and is yet to have as much youth at his dis- posal as Wilmots. Russia have six play- ers aged 30 and more, Belgium none. Reports suggest that it is difficult for young Russians to make their pres- ence felt because they find it hard get- ting into club teams where established Russians or foreigners stand in their way. Forward Alan Dzagoev, who turned 24 on Tuesday, is still considered young. Kerzhakov is 31, midfielder Yuri Zhirkov 30, and central defend- ers Vasili Berezutskiy and Sergey Ig- nashevich 31 and 32, respectively, and unlikely to feature in four years time. "These are the players with whom I can work," Capello was quoted as saying by Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung, which added that the Rus- sian team looked "more like a bunch of men in early retirement with tired legs against South Korea." Capello will hope to get as many matches as possible in Brazil to give his youngsters some experience, and Ignashevich has promised improve- ment on Sunday. "We will play better against Belgium as against South Korea, because it can't get any worse," he said. More than a pick-up. A legend. Hilux Invincible Double Cab 3.0 D-4D Hilux is more than a pick-up. It's a legend. Rugged on the outside, refined on the inside, it's the ultimate 24/7 working tool for business on the move. – 171 BHP engine – Ladder chassis and TOP platform – Automatic differential switches between 2WD and 4WD – Toyota Touch TM 2 multimedia – Cruise control For more information contact: Michael Debono Limited 0GLQD5RDGĽHEEXã Tel: 2269 4000 sales@toyota.com.mt www.toyota.com.mt Toyota Gozo Showroom 0ãDUU5RDG Xewkija XWK 9015 - Gozo Tel: 2156 1122 / 2156 1117 ggs@toyota.com.mt Toyota Malta 5 year WARRANTY DEBONO F I N A N C E ONLY 5.5% VARIABLE RATE OVER 6 YEARS The 2014 World Cup Get all the latest updates Belgium meet Russia in World Cup duel of contrasts Young and fancied Belgium face ageing 2018 hosts Russia in a World Cup duel of contrasts on Sunday. Russia need to win after being held to an opening draw while Belgium qualify for the knock-out stages if they prevail at the Maracana Vincent Kompany of Belgium. Photo by EPA/PETER POWELL