Football analyst Andrey Konovalov assessed the Russian national team’s performances in the recent friendlies against Iran and Iraq, offering a nuanced take on what the results reveal about the squad’s current state and future prospects.
He noted that while there are positives to point to, they are not as abundant as supporters might hope, particularly after the opening match. The first game left a subdued impression, with gaps in offensive production and cohesion that contrasted with the opponent’s more organized approach. Konovalov emphasized that the team had not played together frequently, and the squad was still forming chemistry, which tempered any exuberant conclusions about the performance. He described the outing against Iran as not necessarily negative, but notably disappointing in its clarity and purpose, suggesting that the absence of a clear game plan and a shared sense of pressing and movement contributed to a less convincing display. The assessment highlighted that the tactical blueprint was carefully selected, yet execution did not fully translate the strategy onto the pitch.
In the March 23 encounter, Russia and Iran finished tied at 1–1, with both goals coming from penalties. The match featured a tactical contest in which discipline and set-piece execution played decisive roles, while the scoreline reflected a tight balance between the teams. The Russian side showed moments of resilience, but the decisive breakthrough did not come through open play, instead arriving from the spot in a tightly contested encounter that underscored the gaps that remain in open-play creativity.
Three days later, in St. Petersburg, the Russians defeated Iran 2–0. The second half saw Anton Miranchuk and Sergey Pinyaev finding the back of the net, providing a clearer demonstration of the collective momentum and individual quality within the squad. Yet the match also carried a cautionary note: in the final minutes, midfielder Daler Kuzyaev was dismissed, removing him from the equation for a portion of the period that followed and raising questions about discipline and risk management in high-stakes moments. This sequence served as a reminder that while the team demonstrated stronger cohesion and goal threat, there are still moments that require sharper control and decision-making under pressure.
Notably, the victory over Iraq marked the first win for the Russian side since September 2022, a milestone that injects a sense of renewed momentum into a program eager to reestablish its competitive rhythm on the regional and international stage. Such a result can have a meaningful impact on squad morale, confidence in the tactical framework, and the willingness of players to take calculated risks in the attacking third. It also provides valuable data for the coaching staff as they evaluate personnel combinations and formation options ahead of upcoming fixtures in regional tournaments and potential qualifiers.
There is consideration that the national team may participate in the Central Asian Football Federation (CAFA) championship scheduled for June, presenting another platform to test the depth of the squad, refine tactical adherence, and give fringe players meaningful minutes. This potential participation would offer a practical environment to assess how well different units integrate under pressure and how quickly the defense translates pressure into organized counterattacks and controlled transitions. The broader implication is a chance to cement a clear identity that can translate to stronger showings in forthcoming international windows and qualifying campaigns.
Former defender and coach Alexander Tarkhanov commented on Valery Karpin’s handling of the March matches, noting that the manager has established a clear directional plan for the team and has worked to implement a cohesive approach across the squad. Tarkhanov’s perspective adds another layer to the public discourse, underscoring the sense that Karpin’s methods are taking hold even as the team navigates the inevitable fluctuations of form and integration. Overall, the March fixtures appear to have provided meaningful insight into the squad’s trajectory, with tangible signs of progress alongside lessons to be addressed in training and selection decisions, as the calendar moves toward June and beyond.