Eduard Mor, the former Spartak Moscow defender, shared his reflections on the Russian national team’s performance against Iraq. He described the victory with words that echo the sentiment of a famous wartime ballad, calling it a triumph that carried both emotion and resolve.
The match took place on March 26 in Saint Petersburg and finished with a 2-0 scoreline in favor of Valery Karpin’s squad.
Mor called the occasion a true celebration, noting that tears marked the first half and that things improved after the break. He extended his congratulations to the players, expressing how long supporters had waited for this result and how meaningful the win felt in the current mood surrounding Russian football.
He acknowledged that the Iraqi side had several bright moments in the opening period and warned that a lapse could have changed the course of the game. Mor said he is always concerned for the team and wants to see players put everything on the line in pursuit of victory, hoping to witness the players’ burning determination in each performance.
It is relevant to note the broader context: in spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended the participation of the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from their competitions. This decision significantly shaped the international landscape for Russian football and continues to influence the team’s opportunities on the world stage. [citation: Match TV]
Gennady Orlov, a former football commentator, also commented on the squad’s status, asserting that Artem Dzyuba, the striker for Lokomotiv Moscow, has not yet reached full readiness to be recalled to the national team. The assessment reflects ongoing discussions about player form and selection decisions as the team navigates the post-suspension era.