Russia out to attack Slovenia in World Cup

Moscow: Russia coach Guus Hiddink will put his team on the attack against Slovenia Saturday in the first leg of its World Cup playoffs.

Russia, surprise semifinalist at last year's European Championship, won seven of its 10 qualifying matches but finished behind Germany in Group 4.

Defence was the team's strongest department in qualifying the Russians conceded only six goals but Hiddink is putting the onus on his strikers ahead of the first match of the two-leg playoff at Luzhniki Stadium.

"We will go for an attacking style of play," the Dutchman said. "[But] we are not in a position to expect an easy outing.

"If you take a look at Slovenia's results in its group qualifiers and in friendly matches, you will see that it's a very serious, well-organised and tactically skilled team," Hiddink added. "There is not the slightest hint in the Russia team of underestimating Slovenia. We all understand that these will not be easy matches the stakes are too high."

Slovenia boasts few star names in its team but has at times impressed since losing all three games in its World Cup debut in 2002.

It qualified for the playoffs from a pool that saw neighbour Slovakia progress automatically.

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek claimed his team which lies 37 positions below 12th-ranked Russia is the underdog.

"Do you know who's a favourite for this playoff?" Kek said. "I do. It's Russia. But no one can deprive us of our desire to win it."

Slovenia striker Zlatko Dedic added: "We are going to play our game and we are not afraid."