Russia defender Ilya Kutepov said on Tuesday that a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in their last group-stage game did not have a “positive impact” on the team as they prepare to face Spain in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
“Losing a match never has a positive impact. Although the match was not crucial, we wanted to take the first place [in the group]... We have an important game coming up. It’s hard to tell at the moment, but on July 1 we’ll see if we are ready for Spain or not,” Kutepov told journalists.
Russia finished second in Group A after suffering their first World Cup defeat at the hands of Uruguay in Samara on Monday and will next face Group B winners and 2010 champions Spain in Moscow on Sunday.
International news source
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