Arshavin: Not being at the World Cup is difficult
Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin admits that not being able to play at the most prestigious international tournament in the world is becoming increasingly difficult to take in.
Russia failed to qualify for the finals in South Africa when they lost to Slovenia in the qualifying round's play-offs, a result that shocked the sport's pundits.
And the 29-year-old says it's difficult being surrounded by the tournament's fanfare and watching other teams play on TV, feeling disappointed that he could have been playing in South Africa as well.
Arshavin said: "When I look around here I see everything that reminds me of the World Cup.
"You switch on the TV and everyone is speaking about it. It is difficult but not as tough as it was straight after we lost in Slovenia. Time is a healer but, of course, I would prefer to be here to play football.
"In Russia there are a lot of people watching the World Cup. The bars and restaurants will be full but there is some bad feeling because we didn't qualify."
Slovenia are proving to be no pushovers though, now leading Group C after two games. That is no mean feat, especially with the likes of England and the USA being part of the same group.
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In Russia there are a lot of people watching the World Cup. The bars and restaurants will be full but there is some bad feeling because we didn't qualify.
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