Oleg Shatov optimistic about Russian chances

Russia midfielder Oleg Shatov has revealed that he is feeling optimistic about the team's chances at the World Cup.

Shatov and his teammates play their opening match in Group H against South Korea on Tuesday before encounters with Belgium and Algeria.

"I expect a good performance from the team," Shatov told the Russian Football Union's official website. "I do not want to think about the bad things, I want to think only about the good and look ahead with optimism.

"I know and believe that we will at least get out of the group. Then we will see. I know that every one of the Russia players will give everything on the pitch."

Shatov has scored two goals in seven appearances for Russia since making his debut last year.