Stanislav Cherchesov says it is “no accident” that his Russia side have claimed maximum points from their first two Group A games at the World Cup.
Hosts Russia headed into the tournament on the back of a seven-game winless streak and with a squad ravaged by injuries, but a 3-1 victory over Egypt – following on from their opening day thrashing of Saudi Arabia – has all-but secured their progression to the knockout stages.
Strikes from Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba, combined with Ahmed Fathy’s own-goal, did the damage in St Petersburg, and a buoyant Cherchesov never had any doubts over the quality in his squad.
“We needed a win to sort the course to the next round. The Egyptians needed to win to maintain their chances,” he said.
“It is not an accident that we have two wins under our belt.
“It is a group that works together well, has cohesion. It is no accident.