Rob (@RobDillonMTA) - Journalist who specializes in Russian football, Editor of More Than Arshavin
Xavier (@AxeMurderer60) - French Russian football fan and CSKA supporter
Ashraff (@serapdesengal) - Loko supporter and student in Moscow
Andy (@AndyShenk) - Moscow based writer and Russian language translator, Andy supports Anzhi
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1) Who played best for Russia over the international break?
Rob: Although he was never going to struggle in the first match, I thought Kokorin had a good couple of games. Always running, causing trouble, and more importantly finding the back of the net. Both his first against Luxembourg and his strike against Israel were top quality, and if he can continue to grow in confidence at international level, Russia have their striking solution sorted for a while.
Xavier: I would probably say Kokorin, he was very impressive and he is in really great shape currently. I have to mention Shirokov also, as the Playmaker he was very good.
In the last match against Israel I was very impressed by Dzagoev. He completely changed the way Russia played football during the 2nd half.
Ashraff: Kokorin. Even though his current fitness level is not good enough, he somehow silenced his critics and showed the nation that they will have someone who they always can rely on. Three great goals, particularly the one against Israel highlighted his contribution.
Andy: I think there’s only one good answer here and that’s forward Aleksandr Kokorin. He converted twice early against Luxembourg to take the jitters out of the team and then scored a phenomenal goal against Israel that put Russia in complete control of that game. Others, such as Berezutski, Shirokov and Kerzhakov were also instrumental in securing six points, but Kokorin’s sheer exuberance is the breath of fresh air Russia needs right now.
2) Has Dzagoev regained a regular place in the national team? If Russia advances to the World Cup, will he be a starter?
Rob: I really like the Shirokov-Glushakov-Dzagoev triangle in the centre. It was the catalyst for change against Israel, and Dzagoev adds a touch of creativity which Denisov and Fayzulin struggle to provide. The worry is of course that neither Glushakov nor Shirokov are spring chickens, but should Russia advance to Brazil - they will - I’d like to see Capello line up with those three in the opening game.
Xavier: For me, he deserve a regular place as a starter in the National Team, he is the “talisman” of the team. Whenever he is on the field, the team plays better, strikers have more space and the midfielders can breathe. For me it was an anomaly that Capello doesn’t trust in him, especially when you see players like Fayzulin are maintained as starters despite some poor performance sometimes.
Ashraff: More suited to a super sub role for me. His explosiveness is vital to change the game, but he seldom influences much from the beginning for his nation. A great youngster nonetheless. However against a bigger opponent in Brazil it might be wise for Capello to play with a more holding Denisov, Glushakov or Fayzulin.
Andy: I think so. Capello reportedly had some issues with his attitude last fall and decided to go with more veteran players, but I think he’s sorted that out now. The praise Capello gave his 2nd half substitutions against Israel (Dzagoev and Glushakov) speaks volumes to me about his trust in Dzagoev. With Russia needing to score early and often in its last two qualifiers, I think Capello will start Alan and won’t regret it.
Barring injury, I think Dzagoev will start for Russia at the World Cup.
3) What/who was the biggest surprise for you in the last two matches?
Rob: Other than conceding a late goal against Luxembourg? Probably the lack of panic when going in goalless against the Israelis. We saw in Belfast how Russia can struggle when drawing a blank, how they can become predictable, but this time Capello was able to switch things up effectively and find a way through. They didn’t sit back after the first goal either, and to round out a comfortable win was a welcome sight indeed.
Xavier: Kokorin, I knew he had talent but I didn’t imagine him at such level. I liked the performance of Kozlov also. He replace Anyukov very well on the right side.
Ashraff: Kozlov and Kerzhakov. Kozlov was confident enough, sort of Eschenko style when given chance to make his name in the national team. The latter performed rather well, despite only one goal to his name. His work was tremendous, this is the Kerzhakov that you want to see rocking all over the field in Brazil next year.
Andy: Let’s be honest - it was pretty awesome to see big ol’ Vasili Berezutski knock in that first goal against Israel and go charging down the sideline with a big, goofy grin pasted on his face.
I checked, the last official goal he scored was on December 7, 2011 against Inter and just so happened to be the goal that sent CSKA through to the knockout stages that year. Over his career, Vasili has 12 goals, scoring once every 40 games on average.
4) Predictions for the final two qualifying games - away to Luxembourg and Azerbaijan?
Rob: A three or four goal romp in Luxembourg followed by a nervy 2-1 in Baku.
Xavier: Russia have to win these two games and I can’t imagine they’ll fail in the last moments. However, it will be complicated in Azerbaijan.
Ashraff: Luxembourg will be an easy win, even though with a less favorable scoreline, but Russia will put that one in their pocket. An away fixture at Baku doesn’t sound as comfy though. A little whisper in my heart says Russia can lose two points there. Fingers crossed it will be six out of six, and we all get a chance to see Kokorin score next year.
Andy: I’m not worried about these games, even though they’re on the road. Russia will clobber Luxembourg 5-0 and cruise against Azerbaijan 3-0. They’re way better than both of these countries and will leave no doubt with a berth in the World Cup at stake.
5) Would you offer Capello a four-year contract extension right now to manage Russia through the 2018 World Cup?
Rob: I don’t think it’s right to make those decisions until after 2014. He’s certainly done well with the current crop so far, but a poor tournament and everybody has doubts. He’s still certainly a great manager, but age will be a factor, plus the lack of competitive fixtures after 2016 and Capello’s tendency to stick with experience do not necessarily bode well for a country which will need to blood new talent after Euro 2016 at the latest.
Xavier: Of course, he need to work with confidence, and he deserve it. He is a quality coach and it will be necessary to keep him.
Ashraff: Two years maybe, up till Euro 2016. Capello has laid the right foundation for the team, and I feel it’s time for a local to bring the team in their own soil. Gazzaev, Slutsky and even an “almost” Russian Kuchuk could be given a chance, but other big names will do no harm. Hiddink again, perhaps? 
Andy: I would. He’s shown me already that the stability he could give the national team over the next five years would be huge. I’m impressed by the way he’s called up younger guys like Ionov, Kozlov, Dyakov, Smolov, Shatov and others and I think that he has a plan for how to gradually inject fresh blood into the squad in coming years.
Right now, Russia needs success at major tournaments to help synchronize with the major investments in football infrastructure being made. Overcoming the cynicism and apathy from football fans is a difficult task, but I don’t think there’s anyone else, Russian or foreign, that could do as good of a job in the next five years. By 2018, the hope would be that several Russian coaches like Slutsky, Cherchesov, Karpin or Alenichev would be ready to take over.
I also just really like that Capello is always at football matches in Russia, whether in Moscow, Krasnodar, Makhachkala, St. Petersburg or somewhere else. He’s letting young players at clubs outside of the big clubs know that they have a chance to make the team, if their performance warrants it.
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