Russia's forthcoming World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland in Belfast will probably be their toughest test, according to national squad manager Fabio Capello. "I believe it will be the most important match for us," the Italian told the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily. "Northern Ireland have held Portugal to a 1-1 draw last year. For our team the away clash at Belfast will without doubts be the most serious test. "Northern Ireland are very dangerous on the counter-attack and in dead ball situations. I expect a very tough clash on Friday."
Russia currently top the 2014 World Cup qualifying Group F with a perfect record of 12 points from four matches, five ahead of Israel and Portugal, who meet in Ramat Gan, Israel, also on Friday. Capello, however, said that Russia still have plenty of work to do to book their ticket for Brazil.