Belguim 3 - 2 Russia
June 15: Oleg Romantsev quit as head coach after Russia's failure to qualify for the second round of the World Cup in Shizuoka yesterday.
Minute-by-minute match report

Russia riot ends in death
June 9: One man died and at least 20 were hurt after Russian fans went on the rampage near the Kremlin following their team's 1-0 defeat to Japan.

Russia's group
December 2, 2001: Compared to England's group of death, this is a group of life. So, to quote Kevin O'Flynn of the Moscow Times, "If Russia can't qualify from this group they should give up football for good."

Boat comes in for Russia
May 5: James Davis's World Cup Odyssey over land and sea reaches Russia, where 2800 supporters prepare to set off to Japan by boat.

From Russia no love as Poll pays the penalty
September 4, 2001: Premiership referee Graham Poll acheived instant hate-figure status in Russia after awarding their opponents Slovenia a last-minute penalty in the crucial Group One match.

Cold war erupts again as Russia claims 'snub'
February 8, 2000: Read about when England found themselves in a diplomatic row with the Russians, nostalgically flavoured with Cold War insults and intrigue.