Soccer: Last chance for Belgium and Russia

SHIZUOKA, Japan - Cast as the favourites to qualify from group H before the soccer World Cup, Belgium and Russia face off in their final game tomorrow knowing only one of them can progress to the last 16.

The game is likely to be the last in charge for the losing coach.

Belgium's Robert Waseige has already announced he is stepping down to take over at Belgian club Standard Liege next season.

Russian counterpart Oleg Romantsev, who is also coach of Spartak Moscow, will almost certainly be forced out should Russia fail to qualify from one of the easiest groups in the tournament.

With three points to Belgium's two, Russia have the simpler task. They only need a draw to qualify having beaten Tunisia 2-0 in their opening game before losing 1-0 to Philippe Troussier's exuberant Japan side, a result that prompted riots in Moscow.

Romantsev is hoping to have playmaker Alexander Mostovoi fit again after nearly four weeks out with a hamstring injury.

His expected return should benefit teenagers Dmitry Sychev and Marat Izamilov, the only bright sparks so far for the Russians.

"The pressure is growing and we have to concentrate our minds more," said Russia's general manager Alexander Polinsky.

"We have to fight and struggle more actively on every segment of the pitch. We lacked determination against the Japanese.

"It's hard to see which team is the strongest. I respect the Belgium team a lot."

Friday's game will be Russia captain and defensive organiser Viktor Onopko's 100th match for his country.

SONCK'S PACE

Dour Belgium, lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw against group leaders Japan, were held 1-1 by Tunisia in their second game, a surprise result that has kept the group wide open.

Waseige, a Francophone under siege from a critical Flemish media, at least has the benefit of a fully fit squad from which to choose.

Defender Nico Van Kerckhoven has recovered from his thigh injury and will return to his left-back role. Central defender Glen De Boeck also suffered no reaction to his foot injury in the Tunisia game.

With only a victory sufficient, Waseige will have to abandon his normal caution. Striker Wesley Sonck, whose pace could trouble the Russia defence, should lead the attack.

Experienced captain Marc Wilmots, scorer of two goals already and playing in his fourth World Cup, will be the man Russia have to watch most carefully.

"I never said this was an easy group," said Waseige. "Maybe my players will try harder when they know they have to win."

Probable teams:

Belgium (4-4-2): 1-Geert De Vlieger; 2-Eric Deflandre, 3-Glen De Boeck, 16-Daniel Van Buyten, 5-Nico Van Kerckhoven; 11-Gert Verheyen, 6-Timmy Simons, 18-Yves Vanderhaeghe, 8-Bart Goor; 7-Marc Wilmots (captain), 9-Wesley Sonck.

Russia (3-5-2): 1-Ruslan Nigmatullin; 2-Yuri Kovtun, 7-Viktor Onopko (captain), 3-Yuri Nikiforov; 8-Valery Karpin, 10-Alexander Mostovoi, 9-Yegor Titov, 4-Alexei Smertin, 20-Marat Izamilov; 19-Ruslan Pimenov, 11-Vladimir Beschastnykh.

Referee: Kim Milton Nielsen (Denmark)

- REUTERS

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