The Russia national team, led by head coach Valery Karpin, celebrated a narrow 1-0 victory over Cameroon in a friendly clash held at the VTB Arena in Moscow. The lone goal came from Fedor Chalov, and the win marked a positive result for the squad as they continued preparations ahead of upcoming fixtures.
In a lively exchange during an interview with RB Sport, defender Evgeny Kharin shared a humorous moment involving Karpin after the Cameroon match. According to Kharin, the coach congratulated Chalov on his debut and lightheartedly remarked that there were a surprisingly large number of Estonians in the national team. The remark was presented in a friendly tone, reflecting the camaraderie and banter that often accompanies competitive campaigns.
Valery Karpin himself has personal ties to the Baltic region. Born in Narva, Estonia, and raised near Tallinn, his background has occasionally colored discussions about the composition of the squad and its diverse roots. Kharin pointed to this regional connection when recounting the coach’s joke, noting the lighthearted nature of the moment amid serious football preparation.
Beyond the Cameroon fixture, the team set its sights on an international schedule designed to sharpen the unit ahead of more demanding tests. On the calendar is a forthcoming match against the Kenyan national team, scheduled for October 16 in a hotel setting in Turkey. The venue choice underscores the program’s emphasis on centralized training and controlled conditions as the squad fine-tunes tactics, fitness, and team chemistry during a compact window of international duty.
Following the Kenya game, the national side is expected to wrap up its current training camp before planning the next cycle of preparation. Coaches and staff will review performances, consolidate tactical ideas, and look ahead to November’s training activities, which will continue to blend on-field work with strategic planning for the broader competitive schedule.
In a separate note, Alexander Sobolev, who has been with Spartak Moscow, drew attention with a distinctive comparison, likening himself to a dolphin. The remark adds a touch of personality to the roster’s public profile, illustrating how players use humor and imagination to convey confidence and team spirit amid the pressures of national team duties and club commitments.
Analysts watching the squad emphasize the importance of fixing attacking precision, defensive organization, and consistent selection as the team navigates a demanding autumn schedule. The victory over Cameroon provides a confidence boost, while the coming matches will test depth, cohesion, and the ability to implement the coach’s tactical plan under varied conditions. The national team’s management remains focused on balancing player workload with the need to maintain sharpness for key qualifiers and friendlies on the horizon.