Sky Sports - Euro 2008 In association with Sky Bet

Russia head to Austria and Switzerland as outsiders for glory, but then who would have thought Dima Bilan would have been crowned king of Eurovision?

If a substandard Peter Andre impersonator is capable of convincing the rest of Europe that he is the finest musical act on the continent, then what price the master tactician Guus Hiddink ensuring the world's clock capital be chiming to Russia's tune at the end of June?

In the unlikely event that you'd have to sell the concept of Russia as a restaurant something along the lines of 'traditional fare with a modern twist' seems apt, with Andrei Arshevin a Kobe steak that in a previous incarnation had his udders massaged by a swarm of Swedish models and the rest of the team potatoes.

In short, Russia's side is made up of workmanlike disciples of Hiddink's master plan and Arshavin is the one who doesn't have to wear his tie to the office.

The story of Russia's qualification for Euro 2008 is one that perhaps will only hit home when you find yourself asking your partner if they fancy a trip to IKEA - on a Saturday because the thought of Greece versus Sweden is as appetising as one of those meatball meals at the door.

Of course Russia qualified at England's expense, which will make them foes of many on these shores, but given they were almost apologetic in the manner in which stumbled across the line with a loss in Israel and non-inspiring defeat of Andorra, we can't really hold that against them.

Coach - Guus Hiddink

Rare is it that a nation's best attribute is its coach but Russia are well aware their dugout will be patrolled by a tactician who has more than proven himself on the international arena.

Hiddink's close relations with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has long since seen the veteran Dutchman linked with Stamford Bridge, but he seems to be more than content with his current post and has been instrumental in bringing through a young side side that looks to the future rather than harps to the past.

His record as an international manager is bettered by few, having led Holland to the World Cup semi-finals in 1998, South Korea to the same stage four years later and then in 2006, Australia to the knockout phase.

Calm, well liked amongst his players and respected by his contemporaries, Hiddink is as smart as any on the touchline. It is, though, on the other side of the line that his Russia side must prove they are equally as talented.

Star man - Andrei Arshavin

The architect of much of Russia's best work is captain, pin-up boy and all-round good egg Arshavin; which only makes his suspension all the more galling to stomach.

Capable of picking incisive passes at key moments and possessing a mind that is as quick as his feet, the Zenit schemer could emerge as one of the stars of the tournament, if Russia can progress from the group stages.

At club level he orchestrates a side not dissimilar to Russia's and it is an ability to harness and bring the best from lesser individuals, that Hiddink has recognised and nurtured during his time at the helm.

British interest

Of a 23-man squad only Nurnberg striker Ivan Saenko plays his domestic football outside of Russia, which for many will be seen as refreshing but for devotees of Premier League player-watching, Hiddink's side are persona non grata.

Still, given spotting an English-based charge is not exactly whale watching in Reykjavik, do not despair. Just focus on those players who haven't learnt their national anthem as they've been too preoccupied checking their final wage slip of the season.

Forgive me, I've grown all protective of my brave Russians.

Why they'll win

They probably won't but if the Danes dared to dream in Euro 1992, the Greeks in 2004 and Dima in 2008, then Guus and his boys have every right to do so also.

In Hiddink, Russia have a coach who is as shrewd as any in Europe and while his side fail to ignite the imagination of the neutral they do have pockets of talent throughout their ranks.

CSKA's Vasili Berezutski and Sergei Ignashevich help provide a solid enough defensive base, while Lokomotiv Moscow flyer Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is a player to keep an eye on down the flanks.

The role of Arshavin has already been well documented, while powerhouse striker Pavel Pogrebnyak proved his pedigree in this season's Uefa Cup by finishing the tournament as joint-top goalscorer, as Zenit Saint Petersburg saw off Rangers in the final - albeit in a game he was suspended for.

Roman Pavlyuchenko, as England supporters will testify, is handy off the bench and has the type of aerial prowess that some continental types might not fancy.

Why they won't

Without wishing to go all Keyser Soze, their greatest strength could be their greatest weakness. In the excitement of lauding the grandiose skills of captain and playmaker Ashavin, he is suspended for the first two of Russia's three group games.

A red card in their final qualifying game against Andorra deprives the Russians of their best player and it could be that Arshavin's appearance at the finals will be fleeting; as he arrives at the party with poppers, balloons and a magnum of champagne to find everyone else has gone to bed.

Russia's tournament begins against Spain on 10th June but it will be the clash against Greece four days later that will likely dictate their progression, or otherwise.

Win that, regardless of the result against Spain, and they'll have it all to play for in a final and distinctly winnable game against Sweden.

A quarter-final berth is not beyond them but given the manner in which they meandered across the line in qualification and the fact none of their players have really shone outside of Eastern Europe, it's difficult to envisage Arshavin lifting silverware on 29th June in Vienna.