Chapter 323: Arshavin

The next day, the Croatian national team arrived at the Moscow Olympic Stadium.

This stadium, which can accommodate 100,000 spectators, was already half full.

That's still 50,000 people!

The thunderous cheers echoed across the venue.

Mixed among them were the roars of "Ura! Ura!" — the battle cries of the Russian fans, many of whom were shirtless, exuding a wild, untamed energy.

For this match, players like Suker donned the blue away kits.

During the warm-up, as the two teams prepared, a local Russian commentator looked at the star-studded Croatian squad on screen and couldn't help but sigh.

"We must be cautious. This Croatian team has undergone a complete rebuild, especially with their exceptionally strong attacking midfield and forward lines. I'm sure many remember that youthful storm from Dinamo Zagreb in the 2004/2005 Champions League season. After a year in Europe's top leagues, those young players have become tougher and more well-rounded!"

At this moment, the camera panned to Suker.

In this match, Suker was undoubtedly the most valuable and high-profile player on the field.

Last season's Champions League winner, Final MVP, European Golden Boy, part of the UCL Team of the Season…

An impressive list of honors for a true super talent.

Suker's performance at AC Milan had been widely praised — even in a team filled with stars, he shone just as brightly as the rest.

"Suker! Croatia's new No. 9. Since Davor Šuker retired, Croatia has been waiting for this young man to step up. After two years, Suker finally dons the national team's No. 9 jersey in a senior match!"

"This Croatian team is built around the foundation of Dinamo Zagreb. Undoubtedly, Suker plays a crucial role. Figuring out how to limit him is Russia's biggest headache!"

The camera then switched to Modrić.

"After the 2004/2005 season, Modrić caught the eye of Ferguson and moved to Old Trafford. In his first season at Manchester United, his impressive performance earned him a starting role and he's taken on the responsibilities of organizing the midfield. British media hailed him as the best young midfielder of the season!"

"Mandžukić — Borussia Dortmund's top striker."

"Vukojević — starting defensive midfielder for Ligue 1 giants Lyon. His performance was crucial in Lyon's Champions League run!"

"Šimić…"

As each Croatian player was introduced, the Russian commentator grew increasingly anxious.

The credentials were just too intimidating.

Most Russian players were still playing domestically, with none yet in Europe's top five leagues — let alone at major clubs.

In contrast, Croatia had players scattered across the top five leagues, with two playing for elite clubs as key players.

Side-by-side, the disparity in squad strength was glaringly obvious.

But football isn't just about line-ups — execution on the pitch matters just as much.

And Russia wasn't completely devoid of star talent.

Arshavin — the core player of Zenit and Russia's No. 10.

Suker looked at the young man with ruddy cheeks and a humble, honest appearance.

At this point, Arshavin had yet to earn the "Czar" nickname.

But he was already making waves.

With his explosive pace, he was becoming one of the hottest prospects in Europe in 2008.

After joining Arsenal, Arshavin even posted a season with double digits in both goals and assists.

2008 Arshavin was a force to be reckoned with.

Fast and explosive, with incredible drive.

Still, whether he could deliver now remained to be seen.

As Suker finished his warm-up and walked toward the locker room, the Russian players looked visibly tense.

Suker's performance in the Champions League and Serie A had left a lasting impression.

This was a home game for Russia. They could not afford to lose.

Thus, finding a way to contain Suker was the top priority.

After final adjustments, both teams returned to the player tunnel to prepare for the match.

The atmosphere was already electric, even though the game hadn't started.

Thousands of Russian fans, along with a smaller group of traveling Croatian supporters, filled the stands.

Though it was only the first match of the Euro 2008 qualifiers, the crowd was fired up.

Cameras zoomed in on the tunnel.

As the cheers reached a crescendo, the players walked onto the field.

Starting lineups:

Russia (4-4-2):Goalkeeper: AkinfeevDefenders: Anyukov, Kolodin, Ignashevich, ZhirkovMidfielders: Semak, Gilyano, Semshov, SayanovForwards: Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko

Croatia (4-3-3):Goalkeeper: PletikosaDefenders: Srna, Šimunić, Robert Kovač, ŠimićMidfielders: Niko Kovač, Vukojević, ModrićForwards: Rakitić, Mandžukić, Suk

"Bilić is using a balanced 4-3-3 setup. Clearly, he's studied Russia's playstyle, aiming to dominate with three midfielders against Russia's two."

Russia appeared to have four midfielders, but two were effectively wingers.

Croatia's triangular midfield setup offered better structure and stability.

"Modrić and Suk are both operating on the left wing — Bilić is once again placing his chips on that side!"

Croatian commentator Kraushević gave his analysis.

Meanwhile, in bars and homes across Croatia, fans watched with bated breath.

Despite two strong warm-up matches, the real test would come in this competitive fixture.

On screen, Suker bounced lightly on his toes, warming up his body.

Croatian fans were used to this — the high-knee jumps had become his signature pre-match ritual.

Some even called it his "pre-takeoff" routine.

The Russian commentator spoke with gravity:

"This match will be a major test for right-back Anyukov. He must hold off Suker's explosive attacks — a huge responsibility for Russia!"

"They must defend well!"

At that moment, the referee stepped out of the center circle.

Suker stood at the center, turned, and shouted:

"Let's hit them hard early!"

Modrić immediately flashed an "OK" gesture.

Croatia's tactic was clear: use the left-wing pressure to strike early.

BEEP!!!The whistle sounded — the match had officially begun.

"Welcome to the first round of Group E in the Euro 2008 qualifiers: Russia vs. Croatia — a heavyweight clash! Who will claim victory in this crucial opening match?"

With the commentator's voice, the players burst into action.

Russia pressed immediately, trying to force their way into Croatia's half.

Arshavin sprinted forward, pressing the ball.

Šimunić calmly passed the ball to the flank. Srna passed to Niko Kovač, who controlled it and scanned for Rakitić — but with no good angle, he passed sideways to Modrić.

Modrić dribbled forward a few steps. Under pressure, he calmly retreated and recycled possession.

The ball returned to Croatia's defenders.

Šimunić took control — and suddenly launched a long ball forward.

At the same moment, Suker exploded into action on the wing.

His acceleration was like a gust of wind.

Anyukov had positioned himself deep — but Suker quickly closed the gap.

"So fast!"

Anyukov was alarmed.

Even though he had anticipated this, Suker's speed still stunned him.

They both raced toward the ball's landing spot. Suker had the edge.

As the ball dropped, Suker raised his left knee to cushion it with his thigh.

Anyukov rushed up, off-balance, but still focused on the ball.

As it bounced, Suker feinted an inside cut.

Anyukov stuck out a leg to block him.

But Suker planted his right foot and subtly turned the ball toward the byline.

Then, he pushed off explosively, changing direction.

"He's past him!!! — "

Croatian commentator Kraushević shouted.

The Russian commentator cried, "Danger!"

Suker burst toward the byline, caught up with the ball, and drove into the penalty area.

He attempted a cross.

Mandžukić sprinted in and leapt high.

But Russia's towering center-backs sandwiched him, locking him down.

The ball was cleared by Russia's defense.

Even in the opening moments, Croatia's attack had forced Russia's backline to break a sweat.

Suker retreated and called out, "Great ball!"

Šimunić raised a thumbs-up from afar.

He had great passing range.

One of Croatia's few center-backs capable of distributing effectively.

But previously, his passes often went to waste due to poor forward quality.

With Suker now leading the line, everything had changed.

His control and dribbling made Šimunić's passes exponentially more threatening.

On the counter, Šimunić could go long and hit Suker directly.

In the past, Šimunić had checked out mentally — there was no hope.

He'd grown tired of his weak teammates.

Now, with a stronger squad and fierce attacking options, Šimunić was energized.

Critics could say what they wanted — he didn't care.

Winning matches was all that mattered.

And finally, after years of frustration, he could believe again.

Even though his individual role had diminished, the overall environment had vastly improved.

Most importantly: they could win now.

And that meant everything.