Valery Dyakov, a former defender who wore the Dynamo Moscow and Rostov jerseys, praised Valery Karpin’s choice as Russia’s national team head coach when it comes to building the squad. The coach has been deliberate about balance, weighing form, current fitness, and tactical fit rather than legacy status alone.
Dyakov notes a clear shift in how the national team roster is assembled. The selection process centers on present readiness and competition for starting places. Some players earned their call-ups through steady club performances, while others were spotted early for their proven qualities. This approach helps Karpin align the team with modern football demands, inject fresh energy, and maintain depth across positions.
The coach has drawn a line against older players in this cycle, favoring younger field players. The notable exception remains the goalkeeping position, where experience comes from the goalkeeper cohort guided by Vitaly Kafanov. The strategy seems aimed at long-term stability in defense and midfield, while creating opportunities for promising attackers who can adapt to different tactical setups.
Today at 18:00 Moscow time, Russia is set to host Iraq in St. Petersburg. The match marks a return to Russia’s home stadium environment after a lengthy absence in recent years. The last national team game at this venue was in 2021, during World Cup qualification, when Russia overwhelmed Cyprus 6-0. That performance still serves as a benchmark for fans and commentators assessing how the team progresses under Karpin’s guidance.
Historical context matters. In spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia from participation in all competitions under their governance. The decision had wide-ranging effects on player development, club competition exposure, and national team continuity. As discussions about a return to international competition continue, analysts watch how Karpin rebuilds a squad capable of competing on the global stage while navigating the evolving landscape of international football. FIFA/UEFA 2022 exclusion.
In this context, former football official Valery Masalitin commented that detailed information about the Iraqi squad was not the focus for many analysts. The upcoming match in St. Petersburg offers Russia a chance to test ideas, assess players in real competition, and refine systems ahead of future international fixtures. The ongoing dialogue among coaches, players, and fans continues as they observe how the team progresses under Karpin’s leadership. — Attribution: tactical and roster planning discussions surrounding the Iraq match and Karpin’s approach.