14/11/09 19:00 Russia vs Slovenia
Russia, semi-finalists at UEFA Euro 2008, are the overwhelming favourites to reach the finals in South Africa next summer, but Hiddink insists that unheralded Slovenia can rise to the occasion. "We should never underestimate Slovenia," Hiddink said. "They are a very strong team, both in terms of their results and playing style.
"Slovenia are very disciplined and hard-working with a modern concept of playing. Their strength is their unity, there are no individual stars in their line-up."
Dutchman Hiddink added that the outcome of the two-legged play-off with Slovenia will have an effect upon the development of Russian football. "Two very important matches lie ahead," he said.
Russia skipper Andrei Arshavin confirmed Hiddink's beliefs. "In the play-offs any accidental goal can change the situation completely," said Arsenal star Arshavin.
