The Russian national football team delivered a resounding victory over Zambia, winning a friendly match 5-0 at Dynamo Stadium in Moscow on March 25, 2025. This match marked the culmination of their March training camp, where the team has been showing promising form.
Maxim Glushenkov stole the spotlight by scoring three goals, thereby securing a hat-trick. His goals came in the 8th, 53rd, and 58th minutes, each showcasing his striking prowess. The opening goal was set up by Danila Krugovoy, who provided an assist that allowed Glushenkov to convert from close range. This initial score came just eight minutes into the match, where Glushenkov fired a well-placed shot into the upper corner of the net.
Following Glushenkov's opening goal, Ilya Vakhaniya doubled the host's lead just before halftime, scoring in the 44th minute also with the help of Krugovoy's assist. Glushenkov would then add two more to his tally following two assists from Vakhaniya. The 58th-minute goal was particularly noteworthy, as it highlighted the synergy between the two players. Following this third goal, Glushenkov was substituted, making way for Bakayev.
The final goal of the match was scored by Aleksey Batrakov in the 73rd minute. After expertly maneuvering around several Zambian defenders, Batrakov placed the ball precisely into the net, sealing a commanding victory for Russia. Notably, the Russian team's goalkeeper, Alexander Maximenko, kept a clean sheet, contributing to their dominance in the match.
Former Russian international and current commentator Yuri Kovtun praised Glushenkov's performance, stating that the young forward had justified the faith of coach Valery Karpin. Kovtun remarked, “Dолжно было когда-то случиться, чтобы Максим и за сборную начал забивать.” (It had to happen at some point for Maxim to start scoring for the national team.) He further complemented Glushenkov’s potential to be a leader for the Russian side, especially after overcoming a difficult period marked by injuries.
For the Russian team, this match was their second consecutive victory, following another 5-0 win against Grenada earlier in their camp. This impressive run of form comes amid continued challenges for Russian football, which has been excluded from international competitions since early 2022. Their efforts have been concentrated on friendly matches, which they hope will provide valuable experience and maintain competitive sharpness.
Reflecting on the march camp's success, Karpin expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of building momentum and confidence as they prepare for their upcoming match against Nigeria on June 6, 2025.
The match saw an attendance of 20,864 spectators at the VTB Arena, who left the stadium pleased with their team’s attacking display and clinical finishing. With Glushenkov’s hat-trick, and strong assists, Russia’s national squad appears to be finding its rhythm at a critical juncture.
Looking ahead, Russian fans are eager to see how this momentum translates into their next match, particularly as they continue to face the implications of being barred from major international tournaments.
In summary, the Russian national team overwhelmed Zambia, demonstrating offensive prowess and solid teamwork. Maxim Glushenkov's emergence as a key player bodes well for the future of Russian football, while the team's consecutive victories raise spirits and expectations among supporters. The next challenge awaits against Nigeria, offering an opportunity for Russia to showcase its development further.
