Karpin's team failed the match against Croatia. Given the toothless play on all lines, you can try to consider several options in the joints for the Russian national team. There is a unique, checkpoint. But there is also a deadly option.

Positive alignment

The Russian team belongs to the seeded. Accordingly, one of the unseeded national teams will become in the first match. These can be: Turkey, North Macedonia, Poland, Czech Republic and Austria. North Macedonia can be considered a desirable first contender. The national team played with this team 4 times. All games were victorious. The Russians scored 7 goals without conceding into their own goal. It is worth noting that North Macedonia has lost all matches at Euro 2020.

In the final it would be wonderful if Scotland or Turkey are the rivals. Rather, it is best if these teams play in the first meeting and Scotland becomes the winner. The Russians met with this team only 4 times. Two draws and 2 wins. The Scots played poorly at Euro 2020. They were able to score only 1 point.

Fatal or negative alignment

Potential rivals include Poland. There we will see Lewandowski and other players from the TOP championships. The Russian national team met with the Poles 5 times. Victory was celebrated only once. Interestingly, the victory dates back to 1996.

Even if Russia can outplay Poland, there is a possibility that Karpin's wards will go to Italy or Portugal. Yes, Ronaldo and his team were unable to show a super high-quality and reliable game at Euro 2020. But still, this is the TOP team, which by chance could not get a direct ticket to the World Cup in Qatar.

But there is also a worse option. This is a game against Italy. Needless to say, how the Italians played in the European Championship.

At the same time, even if North Macedonia is considered the most positive first opponent, one should not forget that they have outplayed the German national team. All in all. Some conclusions can be drawn.

Apparently, for the Russian national team, the draw cannot be positive, as such. Considering the quality of the game and the squad that scores into their own goal, the danger can even come from Scotland and North Macedonia.

How can Karpin surprise an opponent? Apparently, nothing. At the moment, the chances of the Russian national team to get to the World Championship in a boat can be estimated as one in a million. For a successful outcome, you can offer odds of more than 20 - 30. By the way. The situation is the same for the Ukrainians.