Hosts Russia must rebound quickly for tomorrow's World Cup last 16 clash with Spain, the 2010 champions who have slipped under the radar after a tumultuous start to the tournament.
Resounding wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt elevated expectations for Stanislav Cherchesov's side before they were dealt a dose of reality in a 3-0 loss to Uruguay.
Dismissed as no-hopers little over a fortnight ago, Russia will try to get back onboard a wave of national euphoria and pull off what striker Artem Dzyuba called a "minor miracle".
They make their first World Cup knockout stage appearance in the post-Soviet era as the ultimate underdogs.
While Russia arrived at the finals winless in eight months before finding some badly-needed form, one of their better results in that period came in a 3-3 draw with Spain last November.
For Sergei Ignashevich, one of three holdovers from the Russia side that lost to Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2008, there are no secrets about their upcoming opponents.
"Spain plays the same style as in previous years," said the 38-year-old defender.
"Spanish defenders play very high leaving spaces that a counter-attacking team can use. This is probably their only weak spot if they have any."
- Errors proving costly -
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"The most important thing for us is to set up well for the Russia game. We're not playing 11 Russians, we're up against thousands of Russians in a full stadium."
"We've made it far too easy for opponents to score against us, which they've done more because of our errors than their brilliance."
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