Having replaced fellow Dutchman Guus Hiddink following Russia’s failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Dick Advocaat guided his side safely through to Euro 2012.
A comfortable opening win in Andorra was cancelled out by a shock defeat at home to Slovakia before a thrilling 3-2 win in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland.
An early goal from Alexander Kerzhakov in Macedonia took Advocaat’s side back to the top of the group, before four points out of six came from back-to-back games with Armenia.
That was the final time Russia’s defence was breached in qualifying as they won three of their last four group matches, added to a hard-fought goalless draw against a Shay Given-inspired Ireland.
