Russia and Slovakia go head-to-head tomorrow in their bids to secure the second-spot in Europe Zone Group 3 encounter in Bratislava.

A Russian victory over Slovakia in a 2006 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday will secure a play-off spot for Russia, whereas a draw would be enough for the Slovaks to secure second place, and a play-off place for a berth in the finals.

Former ‘Bears’ Coach Mikhail Gershkovich, who coached Russia from 1999 to 2002, said the real challenge awaited Russia if they beat the Slovaks in Bratislava to take a place in the play-offs.

"We must remember that a win over Slovakia would give us only a chance of making it to the play-offs, where an even more serious contender could be waiting" he said.

But he warned that the game won’t be an easy one for the Visitors. "First of all, the team is very skillful and fast," he said. "The Slovaks are very good at set plays and have a good defence."

The Russian team go into the game against Slovakia with both teams on 22 points in Group 3. Slovakia are currently in second spot, one place above Russia, on goal difference. Portugal has already qualified from the group in first place.

The eventual second placed team will play in a play-off match with a team from another European group, for one of the remaining finals places in Germany next year.

Russian Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Sergei Ovchinnikov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Igor Akinfeyev (CSKA Moscow), Dmitry Borodin (Torpedo Moscow)

Defenders:
Sergei Ignashevich, Vasily Berezutsky and Alexei Berezutsky (all CSKA Moscow), Vadim Yevseyev and Dmitry Sennikov (both Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexander Anyukov (Zenit St Petersburg)

Midfielders:
Alexei Smertin (Charlton Athletic), Sergei Semak (Paris St Germain), Rolan Gusev and Yevgeny Aldonin (both CSKA Moscow), Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Dmitry Loskov and Marat Izmailov (all Lokomotiv Moscow), Igor Semshov (Torpedo Moscow), Vladimir Bystrov (Spartak Moscow), Andrei Arshavin and Igor Denisov (both Zenit St Petersburg)

Forwards:
Alexander Kerzhakov (Zenit St Petersburg), Dmitry Kirichenko (FK Moscow), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow).

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