Stanislav Cherchesov, who once led the Russian national team, spoke about the moments that defined the knockout win over Spain in the 2018 World Cup. The match, held in the 1/8 finals, remains a landmark memory for Russian football. Cherchesov recalls the build-up as a blend of steady preparation and a unique locker room atmosphere that reporters could not quite grasp from the outside.
After two intense years together, the squad faced a wave of criticism and scrutiny. Yet the coach emphasizes that the bond inside the team’s locker room served as a constant source of strength. He explains that this cohesion is hard to articulate to someone looking in from the outside, because it lives in shared routines, mutual trust, and a willingness to carry responsibility when the stakes are high.
As the team prepared for the Spain clash, there was a palpable tension linked to the tournament stage. Still, Cherchesov notes that the players did not feel overwhelmed by the occasion or by their illustrious opponent, a team that carried a long history of success. The mindset within the squad was calm, focused, and ready to challenge a title-holding rival on big-stage terms.
In discussing the match itself, the coach describes a game that unfolded with one clear truth: certainty about victory never hovered over the players. What mattered most, he says, was their determination to give everything for the result. The team engaged every moment with resolve, knowing that effort could overcome even a formidable opponent when executed with discipline and belief.
The regulation 90 minutes ended 1-1, an outcome that felt balanced given the quality on the pitch. The decisive moment arrived in the ensuing shootout, where Russia found its mark more reliably and prevailed 4-3. The triumph was earned through composure under pressure and precision when it mattered most, a testament to the team’s training and unity.
Following this period of international triumph, Cherchesov continued his coaching career at the club level. In December 2021, he took charge of Ferencváros, a club based in Budapest. Under his guidance, the team secured domestic league titles and added the national cup to their trophy cabinet, reinforcing Cherchesov’s reputation as a manager capable of shaping teams to perform at a high level and to compete consistently across competitions.
Looking ahead, Cherchesov has been questioned about a potential future return to national team duties. While the path of a national team coach involves unique pressures and responsibilities, his reflections on past successes suggest a continued desire to contribute to Russia’s footballing landscape in some capacity should opportunities arise. His record as a builder of locker room culture and his experience with high-stakes matches remain central to assessments of his career and his potential future impact.