JOIN USRussia coach Stanislav Cherchesov hopes the best is yet to come for the World Cup hosts after they virtually sealed their place in the last 16 by easing past Egypt 3-1 despite Mohamed Salah's return.
"I hope there are many more to come," said Cherchesov when asked if he had enjoyed the best day of his life by almost certainly leading Russia into the knockout stages for the first time since 1986.
A run of seven games without a win leading into the tournament had dampened expectations in the host nation.
However, after smashing Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game, Russia showed they are a force to contend with in the latter stages of the competition by blowing Egypt away with a three-goal salvo in 15 second-half minutes. "We have made a step in the right direction," added Cherchesov when asked if Russia could now go onto win the World Cup.
And he claimed too much was made of poor friendly results in the past year when facing marquee opposition such as France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina.
"Everybody remembers our games from the past but people forget when you play against the teams we played against, you need to be prepared very well.
"We did our homework in the preparation and selection of the players. We are very happy to give this joy to our supporters."
Shorn of Salah at his best and facing the hosts, Egypt had an uphill task.
"I think that no-one can doubt the importance he has for the national team," said Egypt coach Hector Cuper.
"It is very difficult to know what would have happened (had he not been injured) but we know the quality he has."