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Liechtenstein have no chance, says Russia keeper [Wed Aug 31st, 2005]
Moscow (Reuters) - Russia's experienced goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov says Liechtenstein do not stand a chance of causing an upset against his team in Saturday's World Cup qualifier.
"They don't have a chance, not even one, of beating us," Ovchinnikov told reporters at the national team's training camp ahead of the European Group Three match in Moscow.
"I don't see how Liechtenstein could beat Russia, we can only beat ourselves," added the 32-year-old.
Liechtenstein, still regarded as football lightweights by many European nations, have made steady improvements over the past 12 months, holding Euro 2004 finalists Portugal to a 2-2 draw in a World Cup qualifier last October.
Earlier this month, the tiny principality held Slovakia to a 0-0 draw while Russia could only manage a 2-1 victory in Vaduz in March.
The Russians must win on Saturday, then beat group leaders Portugal next Wednesday to keep alive their fading hopes of reaching next year's World Cup finals in Germany.
Russia trail Portugal by five points and second-placed Slovakia by three, although they have a game in hand on the Slovaks.
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