SPORTS> Feature and Column
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SPORTS> Feature and Column
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Soccer-Hiddink's appointment irks Russia's old guard
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-08-02 09:41 Advocaat has nothing but praise for his fellow Dutchman. "Guus Hiddink is a world-class coach and I think you should be very happy to have him here," Advocaat told Russian media. Russia's players also expressed confidence in Hiddink. "I think Hiddink will bring a winning mentality to our national team," said Russia captain Alexei Smertin. Yegor Titov, Spartak Moscow captain and one of Russia's most influential players, added: "It's been a long time since we achieved anything worthwhile. "We're all starving for success and if Hiddink holds the key to our future, than it doesn't really matter if he is Dutch, French or Italian. He is our coach." Hiddink will make his debut as manager in a friendly against Latvia on August 16 before the Russians begin their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign by facing Croatia on September 6.
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