Advocaat upbeat over Russia's EURO prospects

After losing only the second game of their qualifying campaign at home against Slovakia, Russia's UEFA EURO 2012 prospects under new coach Dick Advocaat did not look good. They had, after all, failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Since then, though, Advocaat's side have shown a consistency that ensured they reached this summer's finals and fuelled their belief that they can give a good performance in Poland and Ukraine. With memories of their exceptional run at UEFA EURO 2008 returning, expectations are now high that Advocaat, whose side are unbeaten since that Slovakia reverse, can take them even further than four years ago.