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A match of the tournament for both teams

Everything they've played so far stays behind. The whole World Championship is coming down to these 60 minutes

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Both teams achieved their primary goal, but they will be disappointed if they don't make it to the quarter-finals. Both teams had light and dark moments in the group phase, but everything they played so far stays behind, only the upcoming 60 minutes is what matters.

The Russians secured the third place in the group by beating Japan, Poland and Brazil, while they didn't stand a serious chance against stronger opponents like Norway and France. In the last match against Brazil they were deciding about the third place in the group which brings an easier draw, but they still couldn't know their final opponents since Spain and Slovenia were deciding on that later.

They defeated Brazil with 28-24, Kireev finally woke up with 14 saves (52%), Dereven and Cipurin recorded five goals. What's the most important to mention is Atman's injury (ankle) who was forced to leave France, and the earlier mentioned Dereven replaced him. To make things worse, the same fate plagued Gorbok, and he will also end the championship earlier. The third goalkeeper Pavlenko could easily take his place.

- Atman's ankle requires a few weeks of rest, and sadly he will miss the rest of the championship. Gorbok may suffer the risk of making things worse, the Achilles tendon could rupture and we were forced to take him out of the roster - Torgovanv complained about the absences.

That's a serious handicap for Russia since with their absences, they're losing two very important players. They will have to be replaced by Dereven and Zhitnikov who will be expected to perform a lot more in the offense, as well as from Shelemenko who will have to take a big part of the load on the right side of the offense.

- Dereven did a great job replacing Atman in the match against Brazil, but I don't know if there's even a player in the team who can replace Grobo - said Torgovanov.

Today they're up against Slovenia:

- Slovenia are a mix of youth and experience. They have great defense and great offense transition. They lost to Spain with 10 points of difference in the group, but that doesn't mean a thing. I think Spain are a bit better, but that doesn't make Slovenia any worse - said Torgovanov.

Slovenia planned to ace all tests until Spain, and then 'fight' for the first place. They managed that, but they played a very bad game. Realistically, it wasn't that significant if they would end up first or not. Brazil would suit them a lot more, and Russia as they are are no stronger.

The defense Slovenia played against Iceland and Macedonia, and part of the game against Tunisia, wasn't seen against Spain. Spain recorded from whichever place they could, both wings worked, but what destroyed Slovenia were the offensive technical errors. They had 18. Spain recorded 15 counter-attacks and destroyed them with their strongest weapon. By half-time it was 18-10, and the second half was pure formality.

You can't beat stronger teams with games like that, especially not fast Spain. This was Spain's revenge for the Olympics qualifications, but of course this wasn't nearly as important.

- We entered the match with huge motive and wish to win, but we stood our ground only during the first 20 minutes, and then we fell apart. I don't remember ever allowing 18 goals under Vujovic by half-time. Spain were better, but we have to forget about that match and turn to Russia. Nothing's lost - said Marguc who kept Slovenia alive in the first half with his 6-for-6, but he couldn't do it alone.

Mackovsek was desperate, the rest of the back line couldn't record a goal, and that was a big problem for Slovenia against Spain's firm defense. It should be easier against Russia, but defensively they have to improve.

This really was their weakest half under Vujovic (handin hand with the first half against Switzerland in November in the Euro qualifications), they looked lost and without ideas, but we should forget about that game because that's what Vujovic and his team will do too.

They were very good in the group phase of the Olympics, they only lost to Germany, but then they were desperate in the tournament. Denmark crushed them in the quarter-finals, just like Spain did two days ago. Will they be themselves today when it's the most important: we have to wait and see. But, it's definitely going to be easier than it was against Spain. Russia aren't that strong defensively, they're fast, like Slovenia, unlike the most teams in their group.