Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov: 'We are prepared for knockout phase'

Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov has insisted that his side's 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in their final World Cup Group A match has not disrupted their preparations for the knockout phase of the tournament.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the head coach defended his approach to the match and said that his team will be mentally ready for the last-16 phase of the competition.

"Even when we had 10 people on the pitch, they were running hard and they wanted to attack more that's why I brought on a substitute. Psychologically we are well prepared for the next games," he said.

"I believe that we should come to some conclusions, during the training sessions: this is one thing and when you come to the pitch to play the game it's another. This is an art to be prepared at any second."

Russia qualified for the knockout stage as group runners-up behind Uruguay.