Russian players waved a final goodbye to relatives and loved-ones on Saturday before boarding a plane to Portugal for next week's Euro 2004, hoping to avoid a repeat performance of their last major tournament.
Two years ago Russia returned home to widespread scorn following their dismal showing at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, where they failed to advance from one of the easiest first-round groups.
"Our main goal is to make the second round," Alexander Mostovoi, Russia's most experienced player and a veteran of two World Cups and Euro 96," told reporters.
"But even if we don't reach the quarter-finals we must try to avoid another humiliation. That would be a catastrophe."
Euro 2004 represents the last chance for 35-year-old Mostovoi and many of his team mates to prove their worth at the highest level.
"We know, it's now or never," he said.
But without a win in any of their friendlies this year, with little flair and no consistency, the Russians are considered longshots to advance from a tough Group A, which also includes hosts Portugal, Spain and Greece.
Meanwhile, the tournament is the first major competition for Russia coach Georgy Yartsev, who took over the struggling team last August and steered it safely into the finals.
The usually charismatic coach became increasingly nervous and irritated, however, as he came under heavy pressure from Russian media and fans following lacklustre performances by his team in recent internationals.
BIGGEST WORRY
The defence is his biggest worry after injuries to both of his starting central defenders, captain Viktor Onopko and Sergei Ignashevich, forced Yartsev to take only five regular fullbacks to Portugal.
"We have too many playmakers and not enough strong defenders and quality forwards," said ex-Russia striker Yuri Sevidov.
"Show me a single full back who really deserves a place in the team and was overlooked," the coach retorted.
When a reporter suggested using defensive pressure against Spain in their opener on June 12, Yartsev, visibly in distress, snapped back: "Whose idea was that?"
"Viktor Onopko's, he played many seasons in Spain, he should know," replied the journalist.
"Well, when Onopko becomes Russia's coach he will decide the team's tactics," Yartsev said.
At least one Russian player, number one goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov, rated his team as clear favourites.
"We have a clear outsider, which is Latvia, while Russia is a clear favourite to win the title," he said.
"You may laugh at what I say, but I'm a member of the Russian squad and I'm dead serious about our chances."
