Russia announce final 23-man WC squad

Creative midfielder Alan Dzagoev and Villarreal winger Denis Cheryshev have been confirmed in Russia's final 23-man squad for their home World Cup.

All but two of the squad play for Russian clubs, with the exceptions being Cheryshev and reserve goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov, who plays for Brugge in Belgium.

The naturalized German defenders Roman Neustaedter and Konstantin Rausch failed to make the cut from a provisional 28-man list, but Brazil-born right-back Mario Fernandes is included.

Without a win in their last six friendlies, Russia could struggle for goals in Group A against Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay.

Striker Alexander Kokorin misses the tournament with injury, meaning that forwards Fyodor Smolov and Artyom Dzyuba are under pressure.