Valery Gazzaev, who previously led the Russian national team, reflected on the recent friendly against Iran. He noted that Iran emerged as the more assertive side in Tehran, giving the visitors a sense of momentum early on. Gazzaev believes the Russian squad was not yet sharp, admitting that a 1-1 result feels reasonable given the circumstances and the level of the Iranian challenge.
The match in Tehran finished with both sides finding the back of the net from penalties. Anton Miranchuk converted for Russia, while Mehdi Taremi struck for Iran. The game provided a clear signal about the work still needed for the Russian team as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. The next test is scheduled for the weekend in St. Petersburg, where Valery Karpin’s squad will host Iraq in a bid to tighten their tactical cohesion and build confidence ahead of more demanding opponents.
Sergei Balakhnin, a former Rostov coach and a veteran member of Russia’s coaching staff, shared thoughts on the team’s readiness ahead of the Iran rematch scenario against Iraq. Balakhnin suggested that the difference in competition levels could make the Iraq clash a more manageable entry point for the squad, especially after facing Iran, a side with established top-tier experience. He emphasized that clear, decisive improvement would be expected as the squad transitions to the Iraq encounter, with the coaching staff aiming to blend experimentation with stability.
In Balakhnin’s view, the players under Karpin should find it easier to implement their plans against Iraq than against Iran, largely because the Iraqi side is perceived as a step below Iran in class and intensity. The assessment points to a strategic approach where Russia can focus on solidifying defense, sharpening finishing, and reinforcing patterns of play that suit the team’s strengths. The broader takeaway is the importance of building match rhythm and confidence through controlled steps, rather than risking overextension in the immediate aftermath of a tough opponent.
Overall, the discussions around the Iran friendly and the Iraq match underline a consistent goal: steady progress through practical testing. The insights from Gazzaev and Balakhnin frame the immediate task as one of adjusting to high-caliber competition while cultivating the spine of the team through purposeful lineup choices, tactical discipline, and reliable execution in front of goal. The coaching staff appears focused on translating training-ground ideas into decisive, match-ready performances as the calendar moves toward more demanding international fixtures. In the end, the 1-1 result serves as a reminder that growing cohesion and finding the right balance between offence and defense remain essential steps on the path to stronger showings in future competitions. By staying pragmatic and leveraging each upcoming challenge, Russia aims to convert potential into results on the international stage, with the Iran encounter providing a valuable benchmark for the journey ahead.